GRATIOT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

ITHACA, MICHIGAN

 

COUNTY COMMISSION PROCEDURES

Adopted 12-1-1975
Amended 1-20-1981
Amended 3-16-1999

Table of Contents

 

 

INTRODUCTION

Every deliberative body needs an agreed upon procedure by which the behavior of the body and of individual members is to be governed. An orderly process is necessary not only for the deliberative body but also for those who are associated with it in a tangential way, whether they be members of the staff and general public or persons doing business with the body.

Thus, boards of county commissioners, which are deliberative bodies, also need such agreed upon procedures. The mechanism used for this purpose is a set of board rules; rules which often are included as part of county directories. Boards of county commissioners are authorized to adopt such rules by a law which states that boards of commissioners shall have the power "to establish such rules and regulations...in reference to the mode of proceeding before such board, as they deem necessary and proper in all matters not especially provided for in this act or in some law of this state..."(M.C.L. 46.11, M.S.A. 5.331)

Although there are several Michigan statutes which, in effect, specify certain rules, many of the rules of a county board are not necessarily required by a specific statute. The result, of course, is that the rules should reflect needs of individual counties. Since the needs vary, so also should the rules.

While it is true that there is a need for variety in board procedure and rules from one county to another, it is also true that board rules of all counties should deal in some way with the same subjects. As each board deals with the matter of rule adoption, there are three considerations that it should bear in mind.

The first is that the rules adopted should reflect procedures that the board is willing to follow. In other words, the rules should be practical. Adoption of rules that will not be adhered to is unwise and could lead to some difficulty.

Second, the rules that are adopted pursuant to a specific stature should use the statutory language. Sometimes such language may be archaic and outdated, but its use eliminates potential requirements later for double interpretation of the rewritten rule and the statutory text. This practice has been followed in the rules below.

Third, the rules adopted should be internally consistent. That is, care should be given that one rule does not contradict another. Therefore, it is recommended that the illustrative rules below not be adopted along with some other specific rules within a county unless very careful examination be given to possible conflicts.

To reiterate then, the material presented below is intended to include most of the relevant procedural topics; topics which for the most part have been gleaned from the directories of a number of counties. Note, however, that they are illustrative. Details of each, if adopted by a board, probably will need to be modified to accommodate the desires of individual boards. Modification, of course, could apply to all except those based on specific statutes. In such instances statutory references are given in the applicable commentary.

The suggested topics to be covered by the rules and some illustrative language for county board rules then are as follows.

GRATIOT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

Gratiot County, Michigan

Rules 1945
Amended 1958
Amended 1965
Amended 1975
Amended 1981
Amended 1983
Amended 1985
Amended 1999

 

The Gratiot County Board of Commissioners establishes these rules and regulations in reference to the management of the interest and business concerns of Gratiot County, and in reference to the mode of proceeding before such Board, as they shall deem necessary and proper in all matters not especially provided for in any act or law of the State of Michigan. These rules shall be re-adopted at the first meeting of each new Board.(M.C.L.-M.C.L.A. 46.11)

1. MEETINGS

1.1 Regular Schedule. The schedule of regular meetings is set at the first meeting of each year. (See Rule 1.3). Any regular or adjourned meeting of the Board which falls upon a legal holiday shall automatically be set over to the next secular day following, which is not a legal holiday, at the same time and place indicated for the regularly scheduled meeting, unless the Board, in session, determines otherwise.

1.2 Statutory Schedule. The Statutory meeting of the Board of Commissioners is held between September 15 and October 15 of each year.

COMMENTARY: The one meeting cited above is the only meeting required and set by statute. The required meeting in October (or September) is often referred to as the "October Session" or the "Annual Meeting." The principal purpose of this meeting is to set the county tax rate and to adopt the county budget. (M.C.L. 46.1, M.S.A. 5.321) Two other meetings are referenced in the laws: One is the "first meeting of the year" at which time the new board is to elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323) and the June meeting which "shall be a regular meeting." (M.C.L. 46.1, M.S.A. 5.321) County boards may wish to give particular thought to the day of the first meeting in the new year following elections, bearing in mind the fact that the terms of newly elected members begin on 12:00 noon on January 1 following their election. An undue length of time between January 1 and the first meeting of the year could cause problems in dealing with certain emergency conditions.

1.3 Time. The Board of Commissioners shall establish its meeting schedule for the year during the first meeting in January.

COMMENTARY: Alternating the time when meetings are to begin broadens the opportunity for citizens to attend meetings of the Board. A single standard beginning time will almost certainly preclude some segments of the population from attending Board meetings. However, this will vary from county to county and members may want to examine employment patterns in their counties before deciding this question.

1.4 Place. The Board shall meet in the County Board chambers in the Courthouse.

1.5 Change in Schedule. Changes in the meeting schedule, including time and place, additional meetings, and meetings adjourned or recessed to a specific time and place, may be made by majority vote of the Board of Commissioners, such change to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting in which the change is made. Public notice shall be given in accordance with Rule 1.7.

COMMENTARY: See commentary under Rule 1.7. Note that the notice to the public must be given 18 hours in advance of the reconvened meeting.

1.6 Special Meetings,

COMMENTARY: Both Rule 1.61 and 1.62 are based on law. (M.C.L. 46.10, M.S.A. 5.330)

1.61 Petition and Notice. A special meeting of the Board of Commissioners shall be held only when requested by one-third of the members, which request shall be in writing, addressed to the County Clerk and specifying the time, place and purpose of the meeting. Upon receipt of the request the Clerk shall immediately give notice in writing to each of the members. Public notice shall be given in accordance with Rule 1.7.

1.62 Emergency. At any time upon finding and proclamation of a peacetime or civil disaster or an attack by a foreign enemy, a special meeting of the Board may be called under the terms of Rule 1.7.

1.7 Public Notice of Meetings. Meetings of the Board of Commissioners shall not be held unless public notice is given as follows:

COMMENTARY: There are at least two reasons for having written rules regarding the giving of public notice and having them followed meticulously. The first is that it informs the citizenry as to the meetings of the County Board and provides them the opportunity to observe the deliberations. Second, the requirement is statutory. (M.S.A. 4.1800[15]). Failure to give adequate and proper notice of public meetings may result in legal action challenging the legality of Board actions at such meetings.

1.71 Regular Meetings. For regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners, there shall be posted within 10 days after the first meeting of the Board in each calendar year, a public notice stating the dates, times and places of its regular meetings.

1.71 Change in Schedule. If there is a change in the schedule of regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners, there shall be posted within 3 days after the meeting at which the change is made, a public notice stating the new dates, times and places of its regular meetings.

1.73. Rescheduled Regular or Special Meetings. For a rescheduled regular or a special meeting of the Board of Commissioners, a public notice stating the date, time and place of the meeting shall be posted at least 18 hours before the meeting. The Board of Commissioners may meet in emergency session in the event of a severe and imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of the public when 2/3 of the members decide that delay would be detrimental to efforts to lessen or respond to the threat.

1.74 Posting of Public Notice. Public notice of all meetings of the Board of Commissioners shall be posted by publication in one or more newspapers circulate in the county, and by posting the schedule in a conspicuous place in the County building.

1.8 Public Meetings. The Board of Commissioners shall sit with open doors, and all persons may attend its meetings.

COMMENTARY: The requirement for open meetings is statutory. (M.S.A. 4.1800[1]). As a general rule, members of public bodies understand that meetings they hold are open to the general public. A 1976 statute, applying to public bodies generally, states that "every public meeting shall be open to the public." In the law, public meeting is defined to mean "that part of any meeting of a Board during which it votes upon any ordinance, resolution, motion or other official action proposed by or to the Board dealing with the receipt, borrowing or disbursement of funds or the acquisition, use or disposal of services or of any supplies, materials, equipment or other property or the fixing of personal or property rights, privileges, immunities, duties or obligations of any person or group of persons. The term 'public meeting' shall not mean any meeting, the publication of the facts concerning which would disclose the institution, progress or result of an investigation undertaken by a Board in the performance of its official duties." (M.C.L. 15,251-252, M.S.A. 4.1800 [1]-[2]). From the foregoing, Boards of County Commissioners should jealously guard the right of the public to observe the conduct of public business. County Board meetings of the committee of the whole cannot be closed to the public except for the purposes outlined in Section 1.9 hereof. (M.S.A. 4.1800[18]).

1.9 CLOSED SESSIONS

1.91 Vote requirements. A 2/3 roll call vote of members elected or appointed and serving shall be required to call a closed session. The roll call vote and the purpose or purposes for calling the closed session shall be entered into the minutes of the meeting at which the vote is taken.

1.92 Minutes. A separate set of minutes shall be taken by the Clerk at the closed session. These minutes shall be retained by the Clerk, shall not be available to the public, and shall only be disclosed if required by a civil action. These minutes may be destroyed 1 year and 1 day after approval of the minutes of the regular meeting at which the closed session was approved.

1.93 Purposes for which permitted. The Board of Commissioners may meet in close session only for the following purposes:

1.931 To consider the dismissal, suspension, or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member, or individual agent, when the named person requests a closed hearing.

1.932 For strategy and negotiation sessions connected with the negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement when either negotiating party requests a closed hearing.

1.933 To consider the purchase or lease of real property up to the time an option to purchase or lease that real property is obtained.

1.934 To consult with its attorney regarding trial or settlement strategy in connection with specific pending litigation, but only when an open meeting would have a detrimental financial effect on the litigating or settlement position of the Board.

1.935 To review the specific contents of an application for employment or appointment to a public office when the candidate requests that the application remain confidential. However, all interviews by the Board for employment or appointment to a public office shall be held in an open meeting.

2. QUORUM

2.1 Quorum. A majority of the Commissioners shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of the ordinary business of the County.

COMMENTARY: This is a statutory requirement. (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323)

2.2 Absence of Quorum. Upon the absence of a quorum, the members present may adjourn from time to time or to a time certain. Public notice is not required if the time set for reconvening is less than 36 hours.

COMMENTARY: This rule, while not stated explicitly in a statute, is based on the legal authority of County Boards to adopt rules governing the "mode of proceeding." (M.C.L. 46.11, M.S.A. 5.331). The need for such a rule is self-evident.

3. VOTING

3.1 Majority Vote. All questions which shall arise at the meeting of the Board of Commissioners shall be determined by the votes of a majority of the members present, except (1) upon the final adoption of any measure or resolution, or the allowance of any claim against the County, which matters shall be determined by a majority of all members elected or appointed and serving, and (2) upon the final adoption of any matters which by statute require a greater majority.

COMMENTARY: This is a statutory requirement. (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323 in respect to the first two clauses and M.C.L. 46.12, M.S.A. 5.333 for some matters requiring a two-thirds vote).

3.2 Roll Call Votes. The names and votes of members shall be recorded on an action which is taken by the Board of Commissioners if the action is on an ordinance, resolution, appointment or election of an officer, or expenditure of funds. Upon the demand of any member present, a roll call vote shall be ordered and recorded the Board Clerk

COMMENTARY: The requirement for a roll call vote on ordinances, resolutions, and appointments or election of officers is mandated by P.A. 102, 1973, M.C.L. 46.3a, M.S.A. 5.323[1]). With respect to "other" questions, two provisions of the law seem to govern. The latest statute stipulates that a roll call vote is required on the demand of one-fifth of the members present. However, M.C.L 46.4 instructs the Board Clerk to record the vote of each Commissioner on any question submitted to the Board if required by any member present. Therefore, the rule as suggested in the preceding meets the maximum requirement even though a case could be made for requiring a roll call vote on "other" questions only on the demand of one-fifth of the members present.

3.3 Secret Ballot voting. No vote may be taken by secret ballot on any matter. Exception: A secret ballot for the election of the Board Chairperson is permitted if desired by a majority of the Board.

COMMENTARY: This is a statutory requirement. (M.S.A. 5.323).

3.4 Voting Mandatory. Each member present shall be required to vote on every question unless excused by the Board. In the event a member of the Board has a conflict of interest upon an issue which is currently before the Board, He/she is prohibited by law from voting on that issue.

3.5 Reserved for future use.

4. ORGANIZATION

4.1 Chairperson

4.11 Election. During the first meeting in each calendar year, the Board of Commissioners shall select, by majority vote of all the members present, one of its members to serve as chairperson of the Board. The Clerk of the county, or the Deputy Clerk in the clerk's absence, shall act as temporary chairperson until the chairperson is elected. The chairperson shall take office and assume the duties immediately upon election.

COMMENTARY: The election of a Chairperson during the first meeting of the Board in a calendar year is required by statute. M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323).

4.12 Duties

4.121 The Chairperson, if present, shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Commissioners, preserve order, and decide questions of order subject to appeal to the Board.

COMMENTARY: The requirement for the Chairperson to preside at meetings of the Board is statutory. (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323). Several statutes cite possible criminal acts relative to the preservation of order (M.C.L. 750.170, M.S.A. 28,367; M.C.L. 750.102-3, M.S.A. 28.297-8, M.C.L. 750.337, M.S.A. 28.569, M.C.L. 750.167, M.S.A. 28.364, M.C.L. 750.552, M.S.A. 28.820[1] and M.C.L. 752.541, M.S.A. 28.790[1]). Although County Boards are empowered to make rules regarding the "mode of proceeding before the Board", there are limits on the Chairperson's authority to preserve order. Given the statutory right of "all persons" (to) attend (the Board's) meetings, there is a question if the removal of persons for purposes of preserving order - is included in the Chairperson's powers. Thus, before taking such actions, a Chairperson would be well advised to consult with the prosecuting attorney or corporation counsel.

4.122 The Chairperson shall be the agent for the Board in signing of contracts, orders, resolutions, determinations, and minutes of the Board and in the certification of the tax rolls.

COMMENTARY: These, in part, are statutory requirements. (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323, M.C.L. 46.29, M.S.A. 5.352).

4.123 The Chairperson shall serve in such capacities and make appointments as the law shall require.

COMMENTARY: Various laws require the Board Chairperson to serve as a member of certain boards and commissions such as Chapter 20 drain boards (M.C.L. 280.464, M.S.A. 11.1464), county plat boards under certain circumstances (M.C.L. 500.102, M.S.A. 26.430(102). The Chairperson is also required by statute to appoint two members to the selection committee for mental health boards and certain other boards.

4.124 The Chairperson shall serve as an unpaid ex officio on all Board Committees. The Chairperson shall not have a right to vote in committee unless expressly named a member of that committee.

COMMENTARY: This duty is more customary than statutory although M.C.L. 46.30, M.S.A. 5.353, may imply the requirement.

4.125 The Chairperson, when present, shall preside at all meetings of the committee of the whole.

4.126 The Chairperson, for purposes of representing the county in various functional or ceremonial capacities, shall be considered as the chief elected official of the county.

4.127 Upon election, the Chairperson shall proceed to appoint all standing and special committees, and shall designate the chairperson and vice-chairperson of each committee.

4.128 The Chairperson of the Board shall have the power to administer an oath to any person concerning any matter submitted to the Board of Commissioners or any matter connected with the discharge of their duties, to issue subpoenas for witnesses and to compel their attendance in the same manner as courts of law.

COMMENTARY: This is statutory. (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323).

4.129 The Chairperson of the Board, when appropriate, shall refer matters coming before the Board to one of the committees of the Board, and shall arbitrate all jurisdictional disputes between committees, decisions over which shall be subject to these rules and subject to appeal to the Board.

4.2 Vice-Chairperson

4.21 Election. During the first meeting in each calendar year, the Board of Commissioners shall select, by majority vote of all the members, one of its members to serve as Vice-Chairperson of the Board. The Vice-Chairperson shall take office and assume the duties immediately upon election.

COMMENTARY: This is statutory. (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323).

4.22 Duties

4.221 The Vice-Chairperson shall preside over meetings of the Board if the Chairperson is absent.

COMMENTARY: This is statutory. (M.C.L. 46.3, M.S.A. 5.323).

4.222 In the event the chair becomes vacant due the Chairperson's death or inability to serve, the Vice-Chairperson shall continue to serve as acting Chairperson of the Board until such time as Chairman can resume his or her duties, or until the Board selects a permanent Chairperson at its first annual meeting as prescribed by law, whichever occurs first.

4.223 The Vice-chairperson shall serve on the intra-county drainage board when the county commissioner is disqualified.

COMMENTARY: This is statutory. (M.C.L. 280.464, M.S.A 11.1464).

4.3 CLERK

4.31 Designation. The Clerk of the County shall be ex officio, Clerk of the Board. The Clerk, or the appointed deputy, shall perform all duties pertaining to such office.

4.32 Duties. The Clerk's duties include the following:

COMMENTARY: All except rule 4.326 are statutory. (M.C.L. 46.4, M.S.A. 5.324). Rule 4.326 is necessary in order to have the first meeting be convened. In the event the Board is deadlocked on the selection of a Chairperson, it is preferable to have a temporary Chairperson elected, rather than to have the Clerk continue in this capacity for any extended period. If the Clerk is not able to serve as recorder for the Board on a regular basis, it is generally better to have the Clerk deputize a person to carry out these duties on a continuing basis.

4.321 To record all of the proceedings of the Board in a book provided for that purpose.

4.322 To make regular entries of all the Board's resolutions and decisions upon all questions.

4.323 To record the vote of each commissioner on any question submitted to the Board, if required by any member present.

4.324 To preserve and file all accounts acted upon by the Board and for no reason allow such accounts to be taken from the office.

4.325 To certify, under Seal of the Circuit Court or the official Seal of the County, without charge, copies of any and all resolutions or decisions on any of the proceedings of the Board of Commissioners, when required by the Board or any of its members: or when required by any other person or entity upon payment of the per page fee set by the Board of Commissioners.

4.326 To preside, until a Chairperson or temporary Chairperson is elected, during the first meeting of the Board of Commissioners in each calendar year.

4.327 To perform such other and further duties as the Board, by resolution, may require.

4.33 Absence. In the event the Clerk or the duly appointed deputy is absent from a meeting of the Board, the Chairperson, with approval of a majority of the commissioners present and voting, shall appoint another person to act as temporary Clerk until the Clerk or the duly appointed deputy arrives.

COMMENTARY: This rule is not based on a statute specifically authorizing this approach. However, it does seem to fall appropriately with the rule making power of the Board.

4.4 Reserved for future use.

4.5 During the first meeting of the year, the Chairperson, with the consent of the majority of the Board present, shall designate the standing committees, their functions, and responsibilities. No standing committee shall consist of less than three members of the Board.

4.52 Duties.

4.521 Each standing committee shall report to the Board on all matters referred to the committee by the Board, except those matters expressly referred to the committee for study only.

4.522 Each standing committee, except the finance committee, in the first instance, shall review all appropriation request most directly related to its own functions and make recommendations thereon for referral to and consideration by the finance committee and the Board.

4.523 Reserved for future use.

4.524 Each standing committee shall act as liaison between the Board of Commissioners and the several county officers, boards, commissions and agencies respecting matters under the jurisdiction of the committee as prescribed by these rules except as the Board shall otherwise direct.

4.525 Each standing committee shall have and perform such other duties as the Board may direct.

4.526 Each standing and special committee shall keep minutes, recording the date and time of each meeting and the committee members present and absent, all actions on matters referred to or originated by said committees with names and votes of members. A copy of said minutes shall be filed following each meeting with the Chairperson of the Board and the County Clerk for inclusion in the order of business at the earliest possible scheduled Board meeting.

4.53 Jurisdiction

4.531 An item referred to a committee (standing or special) cannot be voted on by the Board without a report from that assigned commit elected and serving, may bypass the committee on any tee.

4.531.1 A majority and minority report may be presented from the committee to the Board.

4.531.2 A 3/5 vote of the Board members item, except for the finance committee budget item.

4.532 A standing or special committee does not have the authority to act on behalf of the Board unless specifically authorized.

4.533 Reserved for future use.

4.533.1 Reserved for future use.

4.533.2 The Board shall adjust, allow and authorize the payment of all claims against the County. (P.A. 58.1909-M.C.L. 46.71, M.C.L. 46.11)

4.534 Committee of the Whole

4.534.1 The committee of the whole may be called because it allows members of the Board to consider and discuss matters without all the procedural formality and expense of a Board meeting. A clerk should be appointed to record decisions to be reported to the entire Board again sitting as the Board of Commissioners.

4.54 Meetings. Meetings of a committee may be convened by its chairperson or by a majority of its members at any time upon reasonable written notice to its members and to the chairperson of the Board of Commissioners. Public notice stating the date, time and place of the meeting shall be posted at least 18 hours before such meeting. A quorum for the transaction of business shall consist of a majority of its voting members.

4.55 Committee Voting. The names and votes of members shall be recorded on an action which is taken by a committee of the Board if the action is on an ordinance, resolution, or appointment or election of an officer. Upon the demand of any member of the committee, a roll call vote on "other" questions shall be ordered and recorded by the Chairperson or presiding officer of the committee.

COMMENTARY: These provisions are statutory. (M.C.L. 46.3a).

4.56 Special Committees. Subject to the approval of the Board of Commissioners, the Chairperson of the Board may establish special committees and designate commissioners to serve thereon. The membership of special committees shall automatically be terminated upon the succession to office of a new chairperson of the board.

5. ORDER OF BUSINESS

5.11 The regular order of business shall be as established by the Chairperson during the first meeting of each calendar year.

5.22 Agenda. All information to be placed on the agenda must be received by the Clerk of the Board no later than 12:00 noon. on the sixth work day immediately preceding regular or adjourned Board Meetings. On the fourth work day before said meetings, the Clerk may mail to each member an agenda containing a brief description of all matters to be considered and arranged in accordance with the order specified in the preceding paragraph. A copy of all committee reports to be acted upon shall be attached thereto. Committee reports received by the Board three or fewer workdays prior to the regular or adjourned Board meetings may be acted upon subject to the following:

- Committee reports of routine claims may be acted upon at the the discretion of the Board.

- Committee reports of other than routine claims may be acted upon unless any member objects to a particular item. If any member objects to an item, that item may not be considered by the Board sooner than three work days from receipt. The remainder of the report may be acted upon at the discretion of the Board.

5.23 Agenda priorities. All matters to be placed on the agenda under one of the specific categories, shall be given priority of order on the basis of date and time received by the Clerk of the Board.

6. RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS

6.1 Speaking priorities and limits

6.11 Each member desiring to speak shall address the Chairperson and, when recognized, speak from his/her place. If two or more member at the same time request to speak, The Chairperson shall designate the order in which they shall speak.

6.12 No member, while addressing the Board, shall be interrupted, except to be called to order; and thereupon he/she shall immediately cease speaking.

6.13 The sponsor of any properly moved and seconded motion, resolution, ordinance, or report, not appearing on the agenda for the meeting, shall have the right to speak for a time not longer than three minutes after the formal introduction but prior to any discussion of the matter on the floor. When a measure has more than one sponsor, the Chairperson of the Board shall determine which person shall first speak under this rule.

6.14 No member shall speak more than twice on the same question in the same meeting if objected to by any member of the Board; provided, however, that a committee Chairperson shall not be restricted in his/her right to discuss matters upon which he/she is reporting his/her committee's activities and recommendations.

7. NON-MEMBER ADDRESSES TO COMMISSION

Only members of the Board of Commissioners shall be given the floor to speak during any Board meeting except:

7.1 County officials who may speak with the consent of the Chairperson;

7.2 Any person, who, with the consent of the Chairperson of the Board or a majority of any Board committee, has been given permission to be listed in an appropriate place on the agenda for the purpose of addressing the Board; or added by motion of any member at the meeting, properly supported and with a majority affirmative vote of the members present.

7.3 Any member of the public speaking under the privilege of "Public Comment" may speak no longer than three minutes; with not more than three individuals allowed to speak in support of or in opposition to the same issue, unless extended privileges are granted by the Chairperson or a majority of the Board.

8. PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY AND PROCEDURE

8.1 Authority. "The New Robert's Rules of Order", 2nd Edition, Mary a. DeVries, May 1998 shall govern all questions of procedures which are not otherwise provided by these rules or state law.

8.2 Procedure

8.21 Motions, resolutions, committee reports. No motion shall be debated or voted upon unless seconded. (See paragraph 3.3 exception). It shall then be stated by the Chairperson before debate. Any motion, with the permission of the person who moved and seconded it, may be withdrawn at any time before it has been adopted. At the request of any member of the Board, a motion shall be presented in writing.

8.22 Motion to Clear the Floor. If, in the judgment of the Chairperson, procedural matters have become confused, the Chairperson may request a "motion to clear the floor". Such motion, if made and seconded, shall take precedence over all other motions and shall not be subject to debate or, if carried, to a motion to reconsider. The motion to clear the floor, if carried, shall clear the floor completely and with the same effect as if all matters on the floor were withdrawn.

8.23 Reserved for future use.

8.24 Discharge of Committee. The Board, by a majority of all its members, may discharge any standing or special committee from further consideration of any matter referred to the committee if the motion to discharge was properly placed upon the meeting agenda at which action is desired. Any motion to discharge that was not placed upon the agenda of the meeting at which action is desired shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all member of the Board in order to secure passage.

8.25 Suspension of the Rules. These rules may be temporarily suspended only by a majority vote of all the members to the Board in order to facilitate the accomplishment of any legal objective of the Board in a legal manner.

9. ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF RULES

These rules having been adopted by not less than a majority of all the members of the Board, may be amended or rescinded by a majority vote of all the members of the Board. They shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded. Any proposed amendment to these rules, properly presented to the Board of Commissioners, shall not take effect until the next regular or adjourned meeting unless a majority of not less than 2/3 of the members of the Board present vote to make the changes effective immediately.

 

 


The Gratiot County Courthouse
214 East Center Street | Ithaca, Michigan 48847