East Central Reporter

The Attorney General Public Access Office has determined that the Shelby County Public Safety Committee, led by Tad Mayhall at the time, violated the Open Meetings Act (OMA). The violation is classified as a Class C misdemeanor.

Mayhall acknowledged the breach but suggested it was due to external pressures. "There was never an attempt to avert OMA rules, but if we did, I take responsibility for it. We were under some time pressure, and there was limited discussion that night since the purpose was to view the building, but we did have discussions, nonetheless," he stated.

According to OMA guidelines, "time pressure" does not justify non-compliance unless in emergencies. There are calls for Mayhall to undergo an OMA refresher course. Another review request involves a Zoom meeting held without proper notice or agenda posting. Mayhall and other board members participated in this meeting alongside legal counsel.

On January 21, 2025, Ms. Martha Firnhaber submitted a Request for Review alleging that on December 4, 2024, committee members met with a realtor at 1112 North Morgan Street in Shelbyville without public notice or agenda posting. This gathering discussed potential purchase of property for emergency response agencies and should have complied with OMA requirements.

The Attorney General's office concluded that the meeting breached OMA regulations by failing to provide advance notice or an agenda.

A copy of the AG letter can be accessed online.