The Newton County Board of Commissioners called an emergency executive session meeting for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Newton County Historic Courthouse.

The reason for the meeting, according to County Clerk Jackie Smith, is to discuss personnel.

The meeting, which was announced a little less than five hours before the start time, falls under state laws despite not being publicized 24 hours before the meeting.

According to state law on open meetings (50-14-1): “When special circumstances occur and are so declared by an agency, that agency may hold a meeting with less than 24 hours' notice upon giving such notice of the meeting and subjects expected to be considered at the meeting as is reasonable under the circumstances …”.