motion to adjourn

[quay]

must there be a motion - seconded and a vote to adjourn a called meeting? or can the presiding offical call the meeting adjourned?

[Tim Wynn]

must there be a motion - seconded and a vote to adjourn a called meeting?

This is the case when the business of the special (called) meeting has not been completed.

or can the presiding offical call the meeting adjourned?

This is the case when there is no more business to come before the meeting. In a regular meeting, the chair should ask for any (further) new business, first. The chair cannot simply close the meeting on his own, when business is pending or has not been reached, or when a member desires to make a legitimate motion or give notice.

[Kim Goldsworthy]

Must there be a motion - seconded and a vote to adjourn a called meeting?

Not necessarily.

But all things being equal, YES, adjournment is a motion, and must be moved, seconded, (not debatable,) and adopted, for the adjournment to be official.

Can the presiding official call the meeting adjourned?

Two answers.

• Yes, in at least two instances:

(a.) a fixed hour is preset.

(b.) the agenda, and all spontaneous new business, is exhausted.

• No, the chair (your "presiding official") cannot declare a meeting adjourned unilaterally, without consent of the assembly.