LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board ruled Dec. 26 in favor of the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners, determining the board did not violate Maryland’s Open Meetings Act following a citizen complaint tied to a public event.
The complaint stemmed from a community member’s participation in a St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce “State of the County” event. The complainant alleged the commissioners engaged in county business outside of a properly noticed public meeting.
In its Dec. 26 ruling, the compliance board concluded the commissioners did not touch on county business during the event and therefore did not violate the Open Meetings Act.
Jan. 6, Commissioner Eric Colvin said the decision, during Commissioners’ Time, reinforces the purpose of the law and the board’s commitment to transparency. “The Open Meetings Act is a good thing. In its essence, it basically says that we as a board cannot do any government action behind closed doors unless it meets certain criteria,” Colvin said. “All of the business that we do, the public’s business, should be done with public access.”
Under Maryland law, a meeting occurs when a quorum of a public body convenes to consider or transact public business. Because no county business was discussed, the compliance board determined the chamber event did not meet the legal definition of a meeting subject to the act.
The compliance board’s opinions are advisory and do not carry enforcement authority, but they are often relied upon by public bodies as guidance for compliance with the law.
County officials said they welcomed the ruling and reiterated their commitment to open government and public accountability.
The State of the County video debuts at the annual Chamber of Commerce State of the County luncheon event, held in September or October. This event brings together residents and local businesses to watch the video and engage directly with the commissioners of St. Mary’s County through a Q&A session. Learn more about the chamber or purchase tickets to attend the event online at: https://smcchamber.com.
The commissioners’ statement on the ruling begins at 1 minute and 55 seconds in the video below.
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