Ad hoc committee reauthorization clarified; attorney says chair can re-form committees

The Powers ad hoc committee paused its substantive work after the chair noted the panel ‘‘has to be reauthorized’’ because of a new chair, raising questions about whether members could continue interim activity.

Assistant county attorney Lisa Overall told the committee she did not have an immediate answer and would check the rules. ‘‘I do not offhand know the answer to that question, but I will take a look at it, and I will respond to you as soon as possible,’’ she said. Later in the meeting she read language from the permanent rules that ad hoc committees ‘‘do expire annually on August 31’’ and added that, in her reading, ‘‘the chair may, without necessity of action by the county commission, form and abolish the ad hoc committees.’’

Why it matters: the committee is working to meet a November deadline to submit recommendations to the commission. Members debated whether community engagement and preparatory work could proceed while reauthorization paperwork moved through the chair’s office and, if not, whether community partners could host events with members attending in individual capacities.

Next steps: Lisa Overall said she would provide a written response to the chair on whether interim committee activity is permitted; members discussed seeking prompt written reauthorization so outreach plans could proceed.