Citrus County's Board of County Commissioners faced a heated discussion on public engagement during their meeting on November 19, 2024. The focal point was a proposal to eliminate the first open public comment segment, a move that has sparked significant concern among residents and advocates for transparency.

John Labriola, a local resident, voiced strong opposition to the proposed change, arguing that it would diminish the county's responsiveness to its citizens. He recalled a previous attempt to limit public comments, which was met with overwhelming backlash. Labriola emphasized that removing the opportunity for residents to speak on agenda items at the beginning of meetings would hinder their ability to engage with the board on pressing issues, such as the Florida Department of Transportation's plans for the Turnpike expansion through Citrus County.

The discussion highlighted the importance of public input, with Labriola stating, "Eliminating the first open to the public would move Citrus County from being one of the most responsive counties in the state to one of the least responsive." He urged the board to maintain the current structure, which allows for immediate public feedback on agenda items.

Another resident echoed Labriola's sentiments, noting that public comments are crucial, especially after discussions on significant topics like the animal shelter and emergency medical training. This resident pointed out that without public comment opportunities, residents might miss the chance to provide valuable input on issues that directly affect them.

As the holiday season approaches, the board also took a moment to wish the community a happy Thanksgiving and reminded residents of upcoming local festivities. However, the debate over public comment procedures remains unresolved, with many residents advocating for the preservation of their voice in local governance. The board's decision on this matter could significantly impact community engagement moving forward.