Van Zandt County commissioners close meeting for executive session on contract negotiations

Van Zandt County commissioners closed their public meeting at 9:01 a.m. and moved into an executive session under Texas Government Code §551.0725 to discuss business and financial issues tied to a contract being negotiated, a county official said.

The action was announced after the court confirmed a quorum with one commissioner absent. "I will now close our meeting to go into executive session at 9:0:1 and, to, in compliance with section 551.0725 of the Texas government code to conduct a close meeting to do the right business and financial issues related to a contract being negotiated," said Commissioner 2, an elected county official. The official also said there were no public comments before the closure.

The court noted the absence of Commissioner Pratt when confirming the quorum. After announcing the executive session, the same official said, "So we are now closed for executive session. You call me back in. We will. We will. You got your recorder with you." The minutes and any formal actions resulting from the closed meeting were not disclosed in the public portion of the transcript.

Under Tex. Gov't Code §551.0725, certain contract-related discussions may be held in closed session; the commissioners cited that statute in announcing the closure. The transcript does not record any vote or further public discussion on the contract prior to the closure, nor does it specify the contract's parties, dollar amounts, or subject beyond "business and financial issues related to a contract being negotiated."