Audit committee adopts remote-meeting policy, sets $10,000 virtual-expenditure threshold

The Cuyahoga County Audit Committee voted to adopt a remote-meeting policy and to align its procedures with recent public-meetings guidance, setting a $10,000 threshold for expenditures approved during virtual meetings.

The committee said the policy reflects discussion of House Bill 257 and county practice on remote participation. Committee staff told members the $10,000 figure reflects the board-of-control approval level and is intended to provide a clear numeric limit in the policy.

Committee members debated whether the existing $5,000 limit should remain and noted internal preferences favored $10,000 because the board of control’s approval authority is at that level. The committee adopted the policy as presented in the meeting packet; members used a voice vote and the motion passed with all eligible voters in favor.

The committee also clarified that the policy language applies primarily to special meetings and allows remote meetings where at least 72 hours’ notice is given unless a member objects within 48 hours. Staff advised the committee that remote participation rules do not change quorum or voting eligibility for members attending virtually.

The committee deferred a larger budget discussion to a future meeting and identified the remote-meeting policy as a tool for handling special meetings while preserving in-person quorum rules.

The committee chair called the motion and asked for a roll call where required; the committee recorded the motion as adopted.