Legal Services

	“The only time our commissioners court has held a closed session is to discuss personnel matters or contract negotiations. Are there other reasons for a closed session?”

What are the most common reasons a commissioners court would convene a closed session?

The most common reasons a commissioners court would convene a closed session:

• Consideration of specific personnel matters, including those related to an advisory body (Tex. Gov’t Code §§551.074, 551.0745).
• Consultation with its attorney (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.071).
• Discussion of the value or transfer of real property (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.072).
• Discussion of a contract being negotiated (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.0725).
• Discussion about security personnel, security devices or a security audit (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.076).
• Discussions of a prospective gift or donation (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.073).
• Discussion of an economic development matter (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.087).
• Discussion of cybersecurity measures, policies or contracts intended to protect a critical infrastructure facility located within the county (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.0761).
• Deliberation regarding a defense, military or aerospace issue (Tex. Gov’t Code §551.092).

For more information, see our updated Open Meetings Act publication.