Missouri Attorney General settles Sunshine Law lawsuit against city of Belle

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has settled a lawsuit against the City of Belle for failing to abide by the Sunshine Law Saturday.

The AG's office filed a petition in December alleging that Belle had violated open meeting laws. The petition alleges that mayor Daryl White Jr. failed to give advance notice of public meetings, did not record meeting minutes correctly, discussed items in meetings that were not on the agenda and had closed sessions with no reason for why they were closed. This came just days after charges were filed against former mayor, Daryl White Jr. for stealing and official misconduct.

As part of the agreement with the AG’s office the city admitted they violated each of the five counts in the case. Belle also agreed to pay a fee of $500, which the state will give to Maries County Public Schools. The city has also agreed to abide by a compliance plan, according a release from Bailey's office.

"As Attorney General, I take seriously my obligation to enforce the laws as written, including Missouri’s public meetings laws,” the release states.  “I am glad that the City agreed to the settlement terms and compliance plan, which will put the City back on the path towards Sunshine Law compliance, in a way that takes accountability for missteps while conserving taxpayer dollars.”