Columbus County officials recess to closed session under N.C. law for attorney–client, economic development and personnel matters

Officials from Columbus County recessed their regular session and entered a closed session under North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11 to discuss attorney–client privilege, economic development and personnel, according to the meeting transcript.

The move came after an unnamed presiding officer said the board would “enter into closed session in accordance to North Carolina General Statute 143-318.11. Attorney client privilege, North Carolina General Statute 143‑318.11, economic development,” and a motion to recess and enter closed session was made by Chris Smith, recorded in the transcript as “So moved. Chris Smith. 2nd.”

The statute cited authorizes certain closed-session topics, including attorney–client communications, economic development negotiations and personnel matters. The transcript does not record discussion of the substance of those topics. After the motion, a speaker identified as Mister Watkins said, “Okay we’re now in closed session… Cut your mics off,” and the meeting proceeded behind closed doors.

The transcript does not record a roll-call vote, a named second to the motion, or any substantive discussion in open session about the items that would be discussed in private. No further details about the matters to be discussed in closed session were included in the available transcript.

The record indicates a formal action to recess and enter closed session but provides no information on outcomes of the closed session, any follow-up direction, or a timeframe for returning to open session.