Commissioners go into executive session under M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3) for bargaining/litigation strategy

Summary

At the start of the Aug. 13 meeting, the Norfolk County commissioners voted to enter executive session under Massachusetts General Laws c.30A §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy concerning collective bargaining or litigation; the board announced it would return later in the meeting to complete the agenda.

Aug. 13, 2025 — The Norfolk County Commission voted at the opening of its Aug. 13 meeting to enter executive session under Massachusetts General Laws c.30A §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy regarding collective bargaining or litigation.

The chair called for a motion to enter executive session, citing M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3). A motion was made and seconded and the commission voted in favor. “Motion made and seconded on going into executive session. I may have mentioned that we'll be returning to complete our full agenda,” the chair said before the board left the public meeting.

Why it matters: Under M.G.L. c.30A §21(a)(3), certain strategy sessions on bargaining or litigation may be closed to the public because an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the county’s negotiating or litigating position. The commissioners announced they would return to public session later to finish the agenda; the meeting record does not disclose the content of the executive session.