Columbus County commissioners recess meeting and enter closed session citing attorney-client privilege, economic development and personnel

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners recessed its regular meeting and entered closed session after a motion citing North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a) for attorney-client privilege, economic development and personnel matters.

Chairman said, "I'd like to go ahead and call the meeting to order. I'd like to recess regular scheduled meeting and enter closed session in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a), attorney-client privilege, ... economic development, and ... personnel. Do I have a motion?" Commissioner Smith moved the motion and Commissioner Bullard seconded. The chairman then asked, "All in favor?" and, after a voice response, asked, "All opposed? We're now in closed session."

The motion was made and seconded on the record and the board proceeded into closed session; the transcript records a voice vote but does not record a roll-call tally or additional details about the matters discussed in closed session. The board cited attorney-client privilege, economic development and personnel as the statutory bases for the closed session under North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11(a).

Closed sessions under N.C. Gen. Stat. §143-318.11(a) are permitted for a set of defined subjects, including consultation with attorneys, discussions related to economic development negotiations, and certain personnel matters. The transcript provided does not include further public discussion, actions, or the length of the closed session in this excerpt.