"The purpose of the Open Meeting Law is to ensure transparency in the deliberations on which public policy is based. Because the democratic process depends on the public having knowledge about the considerations underlying governmental action, the Open meeting Law requires, with some exceptions, that meetings of public bodies be open to the public. It also seeks to balance the public's interest in witnessing the deliberations of public officials with the government's need to manage its operations efficiently."

This quote is the first paragraph of the Open Meeting Law Guide provided by Attorney General Maura Healey which is meant as a tool for municipal employees. The Open Meeting Law is fundamental to a democratic process because it ensures public access to the operation of government. The Town Clerk's office plays a vital role in maintaining observance of the principles of the Open Meeting Law. Massachusetts law requires all meetings of any governmental body to be filed with the Town Clerk and publicly posted at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) prior to the meeting being held.

All notices of meetings filed with the Town Clerk in Foxborough are time/date stamped and are subsequently posted on the Public Meeting Board located in the hallway of the Town Hall located at 40 South Street. The notices are also scanned and posted on the meeting calendar located on the town website.

PLEASE NOTE: ANY PUBLIC MEETING NOTICES ON THE TOWN WEBSITE ARE NOT PROBABLY FILED UNLESS FIRST FILED WITH THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE AND POSTED PROPERLY ON THE MEETING CALENDAR BY THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE.

The Town Clerk's Office provides each new member of a board or committee with a copy of the Open Meeting Law Guide from the Attorney General's office along with a copy of the Conflict of interest Law. A copy of the Open Meeting Law Guide is available by clicking the following link: https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/05/23/2017-guide-with-ed-materials-revised-1-30-18.pdf

The Attorney General's office is responsible for reviewing any concerns regarding potential Open Meeting Law violations. To contact the Attorney General's Office or to obtain additional information on the open meeting law, go to www.mass.gov/ago/ or you may contact them at:

Office of Attorney General Maura Healey

One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108-1518
(617) 727-2200