NAACP alleges open meetings violation at Macon Water Authority board meeting

The Macon branch of the NAACP is calling on the Macon Water Authority to establish a set starting time for meetings.

The structure of MWA meetings is peculiar compared to other government agencies in Bibb County. The authority advertises a three-hour monthly meeting that starts at 2 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer. 

But the pledge often does not start until 4:30 or 5 p.m. because the board’s committees meet first to discuss business items listed on the main meeting agenda. That means working people wishing to address the board with complaints are left waiting for hours sometimes until the committee meetings are finished and the board meeting is called to order. 

This issue was a grievance brought up during the public comment period by Macon NAACP Director Gwenette Westbrooks, who urged the board to set a designated time for public speaking.

“If it’s not done then I’m going to have to file a complaint because people should not have to sit here from 2 to 5 o’clock,” Westbrooks said. “You say your regular meetings start from 2 to 5 —  that’s not true … There needs to be a specific time that this board meeting starts.” 

Other boards such as the Macon-Bibb County Hospital Authority board and the Bibb County school board have set times for committee meetings and regular board meetings.

Dwight Jones, an authority board member representing north Bibb, motioned for the board to attend a governance workshop with the Carl Vinson Institute. The board unanimously approved it.

Jones also called for a motion to direct the authority’s lawyer to look into whether the board was in compliance with the Georgia Open Meetings Act.

“I think it would help everybody if we put it to bed one way or another,” Jones said, noting the issue had been broached at several past meetings.

Desmond Brown, an authority board member who represents parts of central and northeast Bibb, said that was unnecessary.

“I think that’s a matter that this board can deal with without legal,” Brown said. “Let’s just set a time. … so that we don’t even go down trying to look as if we don’t want the public to speak and address this board.”

The board voted 4-2 with one abstention to refer the matter to legal counsel. Board member Valerie Wynn abstained, which is interpreted as a vote in favor, while Brown and Elaine Lucas, who represents east Macon and parts of south Macon, voted against the measure.