By Kristi Hine, Wessington Springs True Dakotan
While there has been much discussion about transparency from City of Wessington Springs leadership, a red flag was raised at last week’s city council meeting when it came to the use of executive session to discuss policy issues.
During the special meeting held Wednesday, February 19, it became clear through dialogue between the mayor and council that the personnel policy was discussed at the previous meeting, but not during the open portion of the meeting. It was discussed during executive session.
According to CONDUCTING THE PUBLIC’S BUSINESS IN PUBLIC: A guide to South Dakota’s Open Meetings Law, “South Dakota's Open Meetings Law embodies the principle that the public is entitled to the greatest possible information about public affairs and is intended to encourage public participation in government.”
Executive sessions for personnel reasons appear on most of the city’s meeting agendas. But according to SDCL 1-25-2, when it comes to personnel, executive or closed meetings may be held for the sole purpose of: Discussing the qualifications, competence, performance, character or fitness of any public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee. The term “employee” does not include any independent contractors.
Discussing personnel policy issues stretches the personnel excuse for executive sessions — and cloaks the discussion in a veil of secrecy where instead a bright light should shine.
I, along with many Jerauld County residents, appreciate the dedication of our local elected officials and board members. They are charged with making tough decisions on our behalf and often lose friends, and even business, in the process.
As a member of the public and a journalist invested in protecting the public’s right to know, I implore our elected officials to take a close look at the business at hand before ousting the public from public meetings.
Executive session is at times a necessity, but it shouldn’t be a habit.
Kristi Hine is editor and publisher of the Wessington Springs True Dakotan. This “Letter from the Editor” column was published in the Feb. 26 edition of the True Dakotan.
