An effort to rescind a state of emergency in Barry County failed by one vote when the board chairman and his lieutenant disagreed over details.
But Tuesday’s debate raised bigger issues about how local government works and the role that technology may play in its operation in the future.
“The pandemic taught us a few things,” Commissioner Dave Jackson said. “Technology is here to stay.”
County commissioners declared the emergency on March 23 to allow local units of government to meet virtually and remain in compliance with the state Open Meetings Act.
On Tuesday, Vice Chairperson Vivian Conner proposed that the board should rescind the order now, saying public and elected officials are more effective when they meet in person.
Even the county board returned to meeting in person, she pointed out, “because we felt we did better work because…
