Chronicle Editorial

Court's ruling a win for open government
     Sunshine Week went out with a bang last Friday thanks to an unprecedented ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court.
     On a 4-3 vote, the court struck down a longstanding practice used by school boards, city councils and county supervisors across the state – walking quorums. The tactic essentially allows elected officials to reach a consensus without having a majority of members present. Either they use an administrator like a city manager or superintendent as a conduit to draft new policy, or simply discuss the matter on a one-on-one basis outside of public view. This often leads to controversial policies getting passed during regular meetings with very little debate or public input.
     The case before the court appeared to be a textbook example. According to a report by the Associated Press, the Warren County Board of Supervisors avoided public discussion on a controversial downsizing plan by meeting with the county administrator individually to create a draft policy. The reorganization plan was eventually passed, which resulted in six people losing their jobs. They later filed a successful lawsuit claiming the supervisors violated Iowa’s open records laws during the private gatherings.
     The court’s decision will most likely impact public meeting laws in Iowa. It creates more pressure for governing bodies to conduct their business in public no matter how controversial the topic, which should allow taxpayers more input on important issues. It also forces elected officials to have their opinions aired in public outside of closed doors, which holds them more accountable for their actions. Taxpayers deserve to know why their money is being spent the way it is and this decision provides more transparency in that regard.
     Whether or not this sparks sweeping changes in open meeting laws remains to be seen. However, it certainly seems headed that way. The court’s ruling made clear that walking quorums aren’t an ideal form of open government and it should lead to improved transparency across the state. The decision was certainly a fitting way to cap Sunshine Week, which celebrates the “sunshine laws” that shape our state’s open government policies. Though there’s always room to improve, this was a huge step in the right direction for transparency in Iowa.
 
SAVE tax progress a mixed bag
     Due to a lack of legislative support, Gov. Terry Branstad’s audacious plan to divert tax dollars for water improvement projects fell flat on its face last week in the Iowa House.
     The governor’s controversial proposal would have extended the 1-cent SAVE sales tax used to generate money for school infrastructure projects to 2049. However, in exchange for the extension, a portion of additional revenue would have been used to fund statewide water quality improvement projects. Schools would have received all current SAVE funds in addition to an extra $10 million each year under the plan, but any revenue generated beyond that figure would have been diverted for water projects.
     Unfortunately, the proposal garnered very little interest from either party. Many felt it would have “robbed Peter to pay Paul” by siphoning funds from Iowa’s K-12 schools to water projects. The claim is valid, but it’s clear the state needs to develop an alternative plan to address Iowa’s water issues. The governor’s proposal was the most worthwhile attempt so far despite its failure.
     The House still moved forward with plans to extend the SAVE tax last week after ditching the governor’s suggestion. That’s a good thing for Iowa’s schools, which are already starved for funding as it is. Failure to extend the 1-cent tax will only work to exacerbate problems in the future.