A measure that would allow greater access to public meetings was clocked in to the Erie County Legislature Tuesday, May 7, by Erie County Legislator Lindsay Lorigo. The local law, known as The Meetings Transparency Act,” would allow Erie County taxpayers to more easily access details discussed and acted upon at public meetings.
“Government meetings, where policies are made that impact you, where it is determined how your tax dollars are spent, should not be held in secret. Technology now exists that should give everyone access to those meetings. This local law does just that,” said Erie County Legislator Lindsay Lorigo.
The law would require any government board, commission, council, committee, advisory committee, panel or similar group that is created pursuant to the Erie County Charter, Code, or Local Law to allow the public access to discussions and actions of those organizations. The boards would be required to keep written minutes summarizing all official actions, discussions, public comments and votes taken at each meeting, and make those minutes available to the public within 10 business days of each meeting. Those minutes must also be submitted to the Clerk of the Legislature to be included in the official record.
The law also requires boards to give public notice at least 7 days in advance of any regular meeting by prominently posting the date, time, location, and agenda on the Erie County website, as well as the website of the Erie County Legislature. Special and emergency meetings must also be noticed as soon as is practical.
“This would allow members of the public to attend the meetings if they chose to do so. If they are unable to attend in person, the law also requires, to the extent feasible, a live stream of the meeting for public viewing,” said Legislator Lorigo.
The Meetings Transparency Act requires boards to maintain updated information on Erie County’s website and states those boards should provide ample opportunities for public comment at meetings. If the measure receives Erie County Legislature support, the local law would take effect September 1, 2024.
“I urge my colleagues to support this measure.to allow the public greater access to the decisions that are made which impact them, their families and the communities in which they live,” said Legislator Lorigo.
