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February 10, 2024

Did you know that county commissioners in North Carolina can discuss certain sensitive matters behind closed doors? According to the state’s Open Meetings Law, county commissions are permitted to convene closed sessions for specific purposes outlined in state law. While discussions about personnel matters related to appointed employees are allowed, what about elected officials?

Although elected officials, such as county commissioners, are not considered employees in the traditional sense, they are still subject to the Open Meetings Law. This means that discussions regarding the conduct, censure, removal from office, or other disciplinary actions involving elected officials must also follow the guidelines set forth in the law. Because elected officials, like Commissioner Beaumont, represent the public, matters related to their discipline, censure, or removal from office must be conducted in public sessions to uphold transparency and accountability.

However, it’s crucial to ensure that any closed sessions strictly adhere to the purposes outlined in the statute, and commissioners cannot deliberate on matters outside of these permitted categories. Transparency and accountability are paramount, and any decisions or actions resulting from closed-session discussions must ultimately be made in an open session, allowing the public to observe and participate in the process.