Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Councilwoman urges clearer rules and transparency; motion to add rules to April agenda withdrawn for legal review
Summary
Councilwoman Rainey told Easley City Council that denied agenda requests and withheld information have impeded her legislative role, citing state statutes and FOIA; the mayor moved to add council rules to the April agenda but the motion was withdrawn so staff and the city attorney can resolve legal inconsistencies.
Councilwoman Rainey used her council report to press for clearer rules and more transparency in city governance, saying recent actions have impeded an elected member’s ability to perform oversight duties.
"When that information is withheld or delayed, it undermines the council's ability to make informed decisions affecting the citizens of Easley," Rainey said, citing South Carolina statutory citations and the state's Freedom of Information provisions as the basis for her concern.
Later in the meeting Mayor Talbert asked to place council rules and procedures on the April 13 work session and regular meeting agendas. Rainey said she had submitted proposed ordinance language to clarify council rules but that staff and the city attorney identified inconsistencies and legal questions, including whether some proposed changes would move the council from a legislative to an administrative role if a change of form of government proceeds in August.
City leaders agreed on the need to discuss the details but also to allow time for legal review. The mayor and council determined the appropriate next step is for city staff and the city attorney to review the proposed ordinance language and return with clarifications at the April meeting; Rainey withdrew her motion so the item can be placed on the agenda only after the legal issues are resolved.
Why it matters
Rules governing agendas, member rights, access to information and the council's role shape how local policy is made and how transparent that process is to residents. Rainey framed her request as a measure to protect the council's legislative authority and the public's right to observe government deliberations.
What happens next
City staff and the city attorney will review the proposed ordinance language and legal questions Rainey raised and will prepare the item for discussion at the April work session/regular meeting.
