La Plata Council Broke Open Meetings Law In Stipend Deal For Mayor, State Finds

LA PLATA, Md. — The Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board has concluded that the previous La Plata Town Council violated state transparency laws when it held a closed-door meeting in September 2024 to approve a stipend for the mayor — without providing the public disclosures required by law before and after the session.

In an opinion dated June 5, 2025, the compliance board found that the previous council failed to include key information in its written closing statement and meeting minutes, as required by the Maryland Open Meetings Act. While the previous council cited the “personnel matters” exception to meet privately, it did not specify the topic or offer a justification for excluding the public.

The closed session resulted in the approval of a $10,000 monthly stipend for Mayor Jeannine James, who had assumed operational duties following the town manager’s resignation in late June 2024. However, under the La Plata Town Charter, the mayor automatically becomes the chief executive officer (CEO) in the absence of a town manager and is responsible for overseeing administration, finances and municipal staff — without receiving additional compensation.

The stipend decision remained undisclosed until it was uncovered months later through a Maryland Public Information Act (PIA) request. That request prompted questions about how the decision was made and whether it complied with open meetings requirements and the town’s charter.

The compliance board noted that the previous council’s written statement for the closed session — listing only “(1)(i) Personnel” — was too vague and failed to alert the public that compensation changes were being discussed. Furthermore, the board found that the council did not include the vote outcome or a sufficient summary in its meeting minutes, violating §§ 3-305(d)(2)(ii) and 3-306(c)(2) of the General Provisions Article.

The conflict stemmed from the fact that, while Mayor James was required by charter to carry out the town manager’s duties in a vacancy, the previous council authorized a substantial stipend despite no legal provision allowing for that compensation. It took eight months for the town to formally fill the town manager position, eventually appointing Assistant Town Manager Michelle Miner as acting town manager in May 2025.

The legality of the mayor’s stipend itself was not reviewed by the compliance board. Its authority is limited to Open Meetings Act violations; any challenge to the compensation would require a separate legal or administrative process.

Recent Action by New Town Council

The newly elected La Plata Town Council unanimously voted on May 20, 2025, to suspend the mayor’s $10,000 monthly stipend. The motion was introduced by Councilman Tyjon C. Johnson, who had previously uncovered the payments through a Maryland Public Information Act request. That request revealed the compensation had been authorized during closed sessions by the previous council — without proper public disclosure.

Council members noted that more than $120,000 had been paid out over several months — funds that could have supported employee raises delayed for the past three years. The new council also emphasized the importance of restoring transparency and aligning its actions with the town’s charter.

Johnson, in a public statement, noted that the compliance board’s opinion stemmed from a formal complaint he filed before his election.

“The opinion comes after I, then a candidate, filed a complaint alleging that the town did not follow the intent of the law when it came to entering and documenting the closed session in accordance with the Act from a Sept. 3, 2024, town council meeting,” Johnson stated.

He added that town staff have since implemented corrective measures:

“As you will see in the town’s statement, staff has implemented steps to ensure compliance with the Act going forward, promoting a more transparent government.”

Johnson emphasized that transparency will remain central to his work on the council:

“The way in which we operate is far more important than the actions taken. As I continue my term in office, I can assure you good governance through strong collaboration and transparency.”

Town Issues Statement

In a public statement, the Town of La Plata acknowledged the compliance board’s findings and stated it is taking steps to address the violations. Officials emphasized that the issue pertained to how the meeting was documented — not the actions taken — and reaffirmed their commitment to transparency and accountability.

In accordance with § 3-211 of the Open Meetings Act, the town stated it will disclose the board’s opinion and findings at its next open meeting. To improve compliance and prevent future violations, the town outlined the following actions:

All future closed session notices will include specific and detailed closing statements;
Meeting minutes will be recorded more thoroughly to document discussions and actions taken;
Councilmembers and relevant staff will participate in updated training on the Open Meetings Act; and
Internal procedures are being reviewed and strengthened to uphold high standards of openness and transparency.

“We remain committed to conducting all town business in accordance with the law and in service to the residents of La Plata,” the town’s statement concluded.

The compliance board’s full opinion is published in Volume 19 of its official opinions and is available through the Maryland Office of the Attorney General.