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Gulfport council adopts 48-hour rule for special called meetings after members complain of short notice
Summary
After several councilmembers criticized short-notice special meetings, Gulfport's council passed an ordinance requiring a minimum 48-hour notice to council members and the mayor for special called meetings except in declared emergencies; the vote included recorded opposition.
The Gulfport City Council adopted an ordinance requiring at least 48 hours' notice to the mayor and each councilmember before scheduling a special called meeting, except when the meeting concerns a declared state of emergency.
Councilmembers said the change was necessary after prior short-notice special meetings that some members said were used to present time-sensitive contracts without adequate member involvement. One councilmember said she received a text at 12:42 p.m. informing her a meeting would occur at 3:30 p.m. the same day and called that practice disrespectful to other members who may have schedule conflicts.
City Attorney Jim (S16) explained that the ordinance does not change public notice requirements (the public notice period remains the same) but requires internal notice to the mayor and councilmembers 48 hours in advance, and that the purpose for the meeting must be provided. The ordinance passed with at least two recorded "nays," and several councilmembers urged staff to follow transparent procurement and notification practices going forward.
What happens next: The ordinance takes effect immediately; staff will provide the 48-hour internal notice when scheduling special called meetings unless an emergency exception applies.
