In January, Jennifer Zahradnik presented oral arguments before the Iowa Court of Appeals in Wilson v. Louisa County Board of Supervisors, a case addressing important issues related to public board member rights, Open Meetings Law, and removal procedures under Iowa law.
The case examines whether a county board may remove an appointed board member based on public statements and what legal standard must be met to establish “malfeasance.” It also raises questions about when a government body may properly enter closed session under Iowa’s Open Meetings Law and the remedies available when those requirements are not followed.
The court’s decision is expected to provide guidance for counties, cities, and public boards across Iowa, particularly regarding transparency, free speech, and statutory limits on removal from office. A written opinion is pending.