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Staff reminds board of FOIA, recordkeeping and conflict-of-interest duties
Summary
Board staff reviewed the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and Conflict of Interest rules, emphasizing public records requirements, use of county email for official business, and required disclosures for board members.
Staff delivered a training-style briefing on FOIA and the Conflict of Interest Act, urging members to treat county business as public records and to use county email for official communications. Staff noted that many records must be retained and produced on request and explained practical steps—such as using phone calls for informal clarification instead of creating electronic records—while preserving the duty to save case-related documents.
The presentation also covered financial‑disclosure thresholds and the narrow legal definition of a personal interest that triggers a required recusal. Staff advised members to consult the county commonwealth attorney on complex questions and reminded them that state-mandated disclosure forms must be completed.
