True or False?
Establishing clear, easy-to-understand rules of procedure can allow a council to conduct its meetings more efficiently and effectively.
Answer: True
City councils should review their city’s rules of procedure and amend them as needed for clarity and simplicity.
The state law found in SC Code Sections 5-7-250 and 5-7-270 requires municipalities to adopt rules of procedure by ordinance. While councils often adopt Robert’s Rules of Order to supplement local rules, this can create confusion about multiple levels of rules. They should always apply relevant state laws first before applying their local rules, and then Robert’s Rules of Order, if adopted and if needed.
The Municipal Association’s How to Conduct Effective Meetings handbook offers sample rules of procedure that cities and towns can adopt.
The Municipal Elected Officials Institute of Government offers both in-person and online courses. Elected officials who complete all of the required coursework can then graduate from the institute. Register for the May 17 courses “Municipal Governance and Policy” and “Freedom of Information Act in South Carolina."