AG 1999 09 20 - Laserfiche WebLink

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12 meeting adjourns. A member wishing to reverse an action taken at a previous meeting may make a motion or introduce a new ordinance having the opposite effect. 13. To Prevent Reconsideration for Six (6) Months. The motion shall be in order only immediately following the defeat of a substantive motion and at no other time. The motion requires a vote equal to a quorum and is valid for six (6) months or until the next regular election of county commissioners, whichever occurs first. Comment: This clincher motion prevents the same motion from being continually introduced when the subject has been thoroughly considered. Because this motion curtails a member's fight to bring a matter before the board, a vote equal to a quorum is required. As with every other motion, a clincher may be dissolved by a motion to suspend the rules. Six (6) months is merely a suggested time; the board may shorten or lengthen this as it sees fit. The motion is not effective beyond the next regular election, in order to give the new board a clean slate. Rule 20. Renewal of Motion. A defeated motion may not be renewed at the same meeting. Rule 21. Withdrawal of Motion. A motion may be withdrawn by the introducer any time before the chair puts the motion to a vote. Comment: RRO provides that once a motion has been stated by the chair for debate, it cannot be withdrawn without the assembly's consent--a procedure unnecessary for a small board. Rule 22. Duty to Vote. It is the duty of each member to vote unless excused by a majority vote according to law. The board may excuse members from voting on matters involving their own financial interest or official conduct. A member wishing to be excused from voting shall so inform the chair, who shall take a vote of the remaining members. A member who fails to vote, not having been excused, shall be recorded as voting in the affirmative. Comment: G.S. 153A-44 provides that board members have a duty to vote, but does not state the remedy for failure to do so. Many boards record all members as voting yes on any matter put to a vote unless the members audibly vote no. A few boards reverse the presumption and record members as voting no unless they audibly vote yes. Rule 23. Prohibition of Secret Voting. No vote may be taken by secret ballot. If the board decides to vote by written ballot, each member shall sign his or her ballot and the minutes shall record the vote of each member. These ballots shall be retained and made available for public inspection until the minutes of that meeting have been approved, when they may be destroyed. Comment: See G.S. 143-318.13(b).