Working through a council meeting agenda, a city council might find itself facing a flurry of motions to amend, reconsider or table its agenda items, making everyone involved disoriented.
Other times, councilmembers might find themselves in agreement on the desired action they want to take, but they are struggling to put the motion into words.
This kind of confusion or uncertainty in council meetings is common, and councils should navigate these issues by relying on their established parliamentary procedures. This can be easier said than done, however — parliamentary procedures are often complex.
At the 2025 Annual Meeting and Continuing Legal Education session of the SC Municipal Attorneys Association, Ben Mount, the senior assistant general counsel of the North Carolina League of Municipalities, offered an overview of parliamentary procedures in local government and how to use them.
What is parliamentary procedure?
Originating in the Parliament of the United Kingdom, parliamentary procedures are a public body’s framework for administering meetings and making decisions.
These procedures are designed to help groups resolve their issues effectively and efficiently. They also help public bodies maintain decorum, determine the will of the majority and ensure the orderly transaction of business. Typically, they establish rules on a range of topics including the setting of agendas, effecting a reading, procedural motions or executing ordinances.
South Carolina state law does not establish a definitive set of parliamentary procedures. Instead, SC Code Section 5-7-250 provides that “council shall determine its own rules and order of business,” giving municipalities freedom to establish and adopt the procedures that best suit their needs — so long as they do not conflict with state law.
Robert’s Rules and beyond
Most municipalities have either adopted Robert’s Rules of Order or procedures generally based off of these rules. Although South Carolina municipalities may feel a natural connection to Robert’s Rules of Order given that its author, Henry Martyn Robert, was born in the state, these rules are complex and not always the best option for municipalities.
Many municipalities may be better served by adopting their own rules that are less complex and more tailored to the needs. For those who decide to draft their own parliamentary procedures, Mount recommended seven core principles to consider, based on guidance from the University of North Carolina School of Government:
- The council’s authority is defined by state law.
- The council must act as a body.
- A quorum is necessary for the council to act.
- Every member has an equal right to participate.
- There must be an opportunity for debate.
- The council must act by the majority vote.
- Meetings should be characterized by fairness and good faith.
By keeping these core principles in mind, municipalities can draft clear and effective parliamentary procedures that memorialize historical practices and encourage efficiency.
Once rules are adopted, they should be made available publicly, such as adding them to the city’s website. This transparency helps residents understand how decisions are made and what to expect during meetings. Demystifying the procedures of the public body can lead to increased engagement and remove barriers of entry for those interested in participating.
Model rules
The Municipal Association of SC is in the process of drafting model rules for parliamentary procedure. These rules will be made available to all members upon completion. To request a copy once it becomes available, contact Associate General Counsel Sara Weathers at sweathers@masc.sc.