CORRECTION: This post has been updated to reflect that the Public Records Portal does not violate statutes related to such. The use of portals in North Carolina is new, and statutes have not been updated to reflect this medium. We were advised that not displaying the originator of the request is unwise, as it requires staff to expend unnecessary time reviewing requests should an entity request to see all original documents, which is provided for by statute.

Original Report
February 8, 2024

Currituck County’s Public Records Request Portal appears to be violating North Carolina’s statute, as noted by John Snowden. According to Snowden’s email to County Manager Ike McRee and County Attorney Megan Morgan, the deficiency lies in the portal’s failure to identify the requester, a key requirement under state law. Snowden emphasizes that the entire request, including the identity of the requester, constitutes a public record. The email, dated February 2, 2024, serves as an opportunity for the County to address this issue.

This recent violation adds to a series of compounding issues, ranging from undisclosed commissioners’ meetings to reluctance to release public records. The county attorney’s role, primarily focused on keeping the County out of trouble, seems to generate more challenges. In a recent incident, Morgan, contrary to her duties, set county policy in a letter to the Freedom From Religion Foundation, addressing prayer at the County’s Senior Center—an action reserved for the elected Commissioners.

Furthermore, on January 30, 2024, Morgan refuted Commissioner Paul Beaumont’s statements regarding a vote on McRee’s contract renewal, only for BlackwaterReports to confirm Beaumont’s statements with other Commissioners and supported by documents. The growing evidence questioning Morgan’s forthrightness in her statement raises concerns, leaving many to ponder whether she was set up or simply advancing the County’s narrative.

As of midday, there are murmurs among senior-level figures suggesting Morgan should consider stepping down.