In the ruling on the Seals settlement, the judge blasted Richland County Council for violating FOIA, for things I've seen R E G U L A R L Y for years:

-Vaguely citing “personnel and contractual matter” is not enough explanation of executive session. The state's public information law requires greater transparency but is regularly ignored.

-Further, the Council effectively voted on this settlement behind closed doors, which is also illegal. It is not OK to discuss everything in private, make up your mind, and come out in public and vote to "do what we discussed."

“While FOIA does not require public discussion of such details, the lack of discussion ... (coupled with the chair’s slip of the tongue that the matter had already been accepted and approved) indicates that the public vote was simply a ratification of a private vote.”

This ruling should inform how business is handled at EVERY Richland County Council meeting going forward.

And ICYMI, here are the full details on the court ruling invalidation Richland County Council's vote to pay $1 million to its ex-administrator: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article246348980.html