No Stotts City Board of Aldermen meeting due to lack of quorum

(From Stotts City Mayor Tracy Knight)

Mayor Tracy Knight today issued the following statement regarding the failure of the June 12, 2026 Regular Meeting of the Stotts City Board of Aldermen to proceed due to the absence of a quorum.

Residents arrived at the June 12 meeting expecting to witness their local government conduct public business, address ongoing concerns affecting the City, and take action on several important matters, including filling the vacant alderman seat and addressing issues related to the State Auditor’s report.

Instead, because a quorum of the Board of Aldermen was not present, no official business could be conducted.

The June 12 meeting date was selected after city officials advised that it was the only remaining date this month that would allow all current aldermen to attend. Prior to agreeing to that date, Mayor Knight had expressed concerns regarding public notice and citizen participation and initially recommended scheduling the meeting during the week of June 22. However, after being advised that June 12 was the only date all current aldermen could attend and conduct business, the City proceeded with scheduling, public notice, and agenda preparation.

Unfortunately, attendance changed prior to the meeting, resulting in the inability of the Board to establish a quorum.

“The residents of Stotts City have every right to be angry,” said Mayor Knight. “Citizens should not have to rearrange work schedules, family obligations, and personal commitments only to arrive at a public meeting and discover that their government is unable to conduct business.”

Knight emphasized that accountability is a fundamental expectation of public service and that residents are justified in demanding answers when government operations are disrupted.

“Public office is a public trust,” Knight stated. “Citizens expect their elected officials to attend meetings, conduct business, and fulfill the responsibilities for which they were elected. When that does not occur, residents are right to ask questions and demand accountability.”

The failure to obtain a quorum delayed action on matters that directly affect the City, including the appointment of an alderman to fill the current vacancy, consideration of issues identified by the State Auditor, and other business requiring Board action.

Mayor Knight also addressed reports of tension and frustration among residents following the announcement that the meeting could not proceed.

“Residents have the right to be frustrated. Residents have the right to be disappointed. Residents have the right to demand explanations from those entrusted with governing their community,” Knight said. “No resident should ever be made to feel that asking questions or seeking accountability is inappropriate. Respect for the public is not optional—it is a fundamental obligation of every public servant.”

Knight reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and pledged to continue working toward convening a lawful meeting where the City’s business can be conducted in full view of the public.

“The citizens of Stotts City deserve more than excuses,” Knight said. “They deserve a government that is present, accountable, transparent, and capable of conducting the public’s business. I remain committed to that standard and to ensuring the residents of this community continue to have a voice in the future of their city.”

Information regarding the scheduling of the next Board of Aldermen meeting will be released as soon as it becomes available.