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Board advised on public‑records request and to keep official business on county accounts
Summary
Board members were briefed that a public records request from American Oversight was received by multiple boards; staff reminded members that personal emails and phones used for official business are public records and advised separating personal accounts from county accounts.
A board member raised a public‑records request addressed to the board from American Oversight and asked whether the request was statewide. Corinne Duncan said other boards received the request, and staff reminded the panel that public‑records obligations apply to board business conducted on personal devices or accounts.
One meeting participant urged board members to maintain a clear separation between personal emails and their Buncombe County accounts because communications relating to official business on personal accounts can still be considered public records and subject to disclosure. Staff noted that using county email addresses makes it easier for administrators to locate responsive records.
The exchange was framed as a procedural reminder; no policy change was made at the meeting and board members were advised to forward only relevant materials to each other and to document any ex parte contacts related to the candidate challenges.
