CARMEL – Putnam County lawmakers have approved a local law mandating that legislative meetings be livestreamed in addition to notifying the public when legislators of the same party conduct caucuses.
The Transparency Act that was unanimously approved adds broadcasts of full-board and committee meetings, as well as public hearings held by the county executive, to the county code. The legislation also requires the nine-member governing body “be heard, seen and identified at all times” during meetings, except for closed-door executive sessions. The Transparency Act additionally resolves the issue of closed-door political caucuses that allow legislators from the same party to deliberate privately on proposed laws and resolutions.
The Taxpayer Transparency Act was proposed by Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne during his 2023 State of the County address. The self-mandated legislation aims to open local government operations to the public through digital access and improved financial reporting
Effective immediately a public notice for meetings of political committees, conferences and caucuses … at which deliberations of county legislative matters are discussed is required in addition to a public record of those legislators in attendance at the meeting, as well as a synopsis of the items discussed.
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