A complaint by a Shelby County resident has brought an opinion by the Public Access Counselor against the county's Plan Commission in its handling of an executive session.

Recently, the Shelby County Commissioners, by 2 - 1 vote, approved amendments to the county's solar ordinance.  The amendments were recommended for approval by a unanimous vote by the Plan Commission.

The meeting involved in the complaint to the Public Access Counselor occurred In October as a part of the Plan Commission's process.

The Public Access Counselor provides advice and assistance concerning Indiana's public access laws (specifically the Access to Public Records Act and the Open Door Law) to members of the public and government officials and employees.  

The powers and duties of the public access counselor include responding to informal inquiries made by the public and public agencies concerning the public access laws. The office may also issue advisory opinions to interpret the public access laws upon the request of a person or public agency. However, the counselor may not issue an advisory opinion concerning a specific matter with respect to which a lawsuit has been filed.

The complaint and response can be see in the documents following: