At the Dec. 15 meeting the Montcalm County Board of Commissioners voted to enter a closed session to discuss a written legal opinion the board deemed exempt from disclosure under attorney-client privilege.

Vice Chairman Peterson moved "to go into closed session to discuss a written legal opinion, which is material exempt from disclosure under the attorney client privilege. MCL 15 dot 2 4 3 1 g pursuant to MCL section 8 h of the Open Meetings Act." The motion was supported and the chair called for a roll call to proceed into closed session.

Why it matters: closed sessions under the Open Meetings Act allow discussion of privileged legal advice and other exempt material outside the public record. The statute cited provides the legal basis for the exemption the board invoked.

Next steps: the board entered closed session for the stated purpose; any action taken as a result must be reported in accordance with applicable law when and if appropriate.