‘Quorum’ is a term that defines the minimum number of people required for an assembly or organization to conduct business. It allows people to ensure that financial and legal decisions are always reviewed and voted on by a good percentage of the members.
When a quorum is not met, the group essentially cannot conduct business. In the instance of the Watonga City Council, a quorum is three, since the membership is five.
That doesn’t change because two of the seats are empty.
Last week, it seemed that at least one of the council wanted to hold the town hostage. Who or to what end, I can’t say, because I don’t know.
At the time of the resignations of the mayor and vice mayor, it looked like the other three would be willing to get their poop in a group and take care of business.
Most recently, though, they haven’t.
The special meeting set for September 11 night was important. Councils don’t hold special meetings because they are fun, and no assembly in the Bible Belt holds one on a Wednesday night in conflict with church unless it is of utmost importance.
The sitting city clerk has retired. That means there is no one designated to sign checks – you know, for things like payroll. No, our city manager can’t sign city checks. The former mayor has been removed from all accounts.
The special meeting would have filled that gap with department heads.
But because someone couldn’t drag themselves to the meeting, checks and contracts will have to wait, unsigned.
I’m unsure where that puts the airport dirt work and grant timeline. It could jeopardize the entire project.
So, whoever it was that couldn’t manage to appear for a meeting, shame on you. You knew when you ran or applied for a city council seat that some meetings would be on short notice. If you were out of town, or in the hospital, or wherever, there is always a remote option. It was perfected during the pandemic.
To withhold attendance – and I believe this was intentional – is childish and shameful.
Being at every council meeting for the next few months is more important than ever for the city to stay on course as the people’s business. Bills must be paid, paperwork signed, all the things running a business entails.
One bright citizen noted the council should not cancel meetings that will not meet the quorum requirement, but instead take roll, note the quorum was not met, and adjourn. This way the absences are part of the record, and the absentee can be held accountable at the ballot box.
So, to the remaining three council members, put on your big kid panties, set aside your differences and do your damn job. It’s what you were selected to do, and you owe it to your constituents.