Thomas Jefferson wrote in a letter on January 8, 1789, “that wherever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” Jefferson’s intent was that if citizens were well informed, they could have the information needed to adequately participate in their government. It is, after all, our responsibility. This sentiment coincides with Article II, Section 9 of the Montana State Constitution which declares, “No person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies”.
Should Jefferson County offer a recorded option of meetings for the public to access if they cannot attend in real-time? According to MCA 7-5-2123, our commissioners are not statutorily required to do anything beyond providing “publications in full, in summary or by reference of the minutes and records of proceedings within 21 days after adjournment of the session.” It is worth noting the most recent audited annual financial report mentions the county has not been in compliance with publication requirements for the past three years. Would providing a recording of the meetings help satisfy that condition?
I was curious to know how the other counties around the state handle this “to record or not record” decision, so I contacted them all and discovered that only one-third of the counties, 19 out of 56, provide a recorded option for their residents to observe at their convenience. So, to be fair to our commissioners, Jefferson County is in the majority.
