In a recent public hearing, Washington County officials discussed a proposed Code of Civility aimed at addressing concerns over profanity and disruptive behavior during county commission meetings. The initiative was prompted by complaints from residents about the use of inappropriate language, which has led to local cable provider Antietam Cable pulling broadcasts of the meetings, limiting public access to government proceedings.

County Attorney Zachary Kiefer presented the proposed rules, which are modeled after similar guidelines from other jurisdictions. The rules aim to establish reasonable and content-neutral standards for conduct during public meetings, allowing for a more orderly environment while respecting First Amendment rights. The proposed guidelines include a three-minute speaking limit for public comments, a measure intended to ensure that all voices can be heard without allowing any single speaker to dominate the discussion.

During the hearing, several commissioners expressed concerns about the enforcement of existing rules and the need for consistency in applying time limits. Some argued that the current lack of enforcement has led to instances where speakers exceed the allotted time, disrupting the flow of meetings. Others emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful atmosphere, particularly when students and community members are present.

While there was a general consensus on the need for civility, some commissioners questioned the effectiveness of the proposed rules, suggesting that simply enforcing existing guidelines might suffice. The discussion also touched on the challenges of balancing free speech with the need for decorum in public forums.

The hearing concluded with a motion to keep the record open for an additional two weeks, allowing citizens to provide further input on the proposed Code of Civility. The board will reconvene to review public comments and consider any amendments before making a final decision on the rules.