Committee advances revisions to Boards/Authorities/Commissions manual; discusses consolidation, training and stipends

The Government Operations Committee on March 17 reviewed proposed revisions to the Athens-Clarke County Boards, Authorities and Commissions (BAC) user manual and agreed to forward the revised manual to the mayor and commission for consideration. Committee members also discussed consolidating tier-two advisory bodies, training and attendance rules, use of government email, social media guidance, membership caps and a proposed $25-per-meeting stipend.

Andrew, a county staff member presenting the draft, said staff made editorial and policy clarifications across the manual and added language about open records, training deadlines and executive-session procedures. He noted the manual would be accompanied by staff feedback gathered from BAC liaisons and host departments.

Key proposed changes the committee reviewed included: requiring BAC members (where legally allowable) to use an ACCGov email account for official business; a…