Openness and transparency is the key to any successful governing body. The Ohio County Commission is taking a strong step forward in that arena by streaming its meetings online.

The installation of an “owl camera” in the City-County Building will allow for so many more people to view each county commission meeting. The commission is starting slowly, testing things out through Zoom meetings, but they feel that they should be ready to roll out livestreams by the beginning of 2026.

“We’re going to get there,” Ohio County Administrator Randy Russell said. “Streaming the meetings isn’t difficult as long as the technology cooperates.”

Several governing bodies in the Ohio Valley already take advantage of livestreaming, and it’s good to see the Ohio County Commission following suit. Their decisions affect about 41,000 residents, so giving those residents as many opportunities as possible to watch the decision-making process is admirable.

Access is essential in good governance. The Ohio County Commission is making the appropriate move here.