Milledgeville City Council admits to violating Open Meetings Act

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Milledgeville City Council admited to violating the Open Meetings Act.

It voted to accept the agreement with the State Attorney General’s Office. The state agency accused council of talking about city business after an adjourned meeting on March 3, 2014.

As part of council’s punishment, it now has to post it’s agenda seven days before any meeting instead of four. It must also pay a $2,500 fine. If council has anymore violations within the year, it must pay an additional $2,500 fine. Board members also have to complete an Open Meetings training workshop.

The agreement explains council’s violation was not a reoccurring problem.

Acting Mayor Jeanette Walden said she is glad it’s over because now council can move forward.

Also at Tuesday night’s meeting, council decided to keep talking about it’s proposed FY16 budget.

There is a proposal to reduce “outside agencies” funding by more than $140,000. This includes recreational and economic development organizations. Council plans to advertise the budget in the local paper again next week, hold a work session next Tuesday, and vote on it at the next meeting on June 23rd.