Which entity has the authority to decide if a meeting proceeds publicly or privately?

The authority to determine whether a meeting takes place publicly or privately usually lies with the council members, often requiring a majority vote among them. This process ensures that the decision reflects the interests and priorities of the governing body, allowing representatives to evaluate various factors such as the nature of the topics being discussed, public interest, and confidentiality concerns.

In many jurisdictions, transparency and accountability are critical components of public governance; hence, allowing council members to vote aligns with democratic practices. The option highlighting the public audience’s ability to collectively decide does not typically fit within formal procedures governing public meetings. Similarly, attributing this authority solely to the mayor ignores the collaborative and democratic nature that is usually required in governance. Lastly, postponing the decision indefinitely is impractical, as governance often requires timely action and resolution on such matters.