A state rule allowing elected bodies to hold virtual meetings due to the pandemic will expire at the end of March. At this past week’s meeting of the Berrien County Board of Commissioners, Administrator Brian Dissette told members that’s a problem because COVID-19 capacity rules remain in effect. If the county board were to hold an in-person meeting, it couldn’t allow in everyone who would want to attend, violating the Open Meetings Act. Board Chair Mac Elliott offered a solution.
“The inability of government to function as it is envisioned under the law would constitute a state of emergency, in my opinion, such that if the Legislature and the governor cannot get together, make peace, and make progress, we will in that event declare a local state of emergency for the county of Berrien,” Elliott said.
Elliott said the county declaration would allow all elected bodies in the county to meet virtually for as long as it’s in effect. He suggested 90 days, but that could be changed. The board voted to move forward with the emergency declaration idea, and a resolution creating a state of emergency so virtual meetings can continue will be considered at its meeting this coming Thursday.
