Our County has a number of agreements, currently in place. Would these contracts be void at the end of the current supervisors’ terms?

Q Our County has a number of agreements in place currently. These include interlocal agreements, contracts for personal and professional services, and a contract with the local library. Would these contracts be void at the end of the current supervisors’ terms?

A It is well settled in Mississippi that governing bodies may not bind their successors in office to a contract, which takes away the rights and powers conferred by law, unless expressly authorized by law. Any contract that extends beyond the term of the governing board that enters the contract without express statutory authority is voidable at the discretion of the successor board. Because such contracts are voidable, and not void, the successor board must take action to void the contracts. (Attorney General’s Opinion to Lambert, October 31, 2019)