COVID-19 threat changes how York County leaders meet. This is what’s new.
York County declared a public health emergency this afternoon, changing the way the county operates during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
York County Council met at 12:30 p.m. at the county emergency management office in Rock Hill. The only item for discussion was a declaration of a public health emergency that would suspend the rules for how council meets and how the public participates, and rules for county business.
One virtual council meeting will be held monthly. A similar setup comes for some county board and commission meetings. By law council, boards and commissions have a wide range of public requirements from how often they meet to public hearings, advance public notification of agenda items and how many members have to be present for a quorum.
The county will continue to provide public online access to meetings. Public hearings could be held via audio sources, rather than citizens coming to meetings. Executive sessions, or closed door meetings, can be held virtually too. Audio files of public meetings will post to the county website.
New rules give council or the county manager options for postponing or canceling meetings as needed. They will be in place 60 days unless council votes to end them sooner.
The county public health declaration notes federal, state and global emergency declarations related to COVID-19.
The public health emergency in the declaration doesn’t require any changes from the public.
One meeting change Thursday impacts the Carolina Panthers plan for a headquarters and practice site in Rock Hill. Council put off the public hearing and final vote on Project Avalanche, the economic incentive deal set to bring team facilities across the state line from Charlotte. It was set for March 30.
Now the county will take up Project Avalanche at the April 20 York County Council meeting.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 2:58 PM.
