Douglas County commissioners discuss whether to publish speakers’ addresses in meeting minutes after public concerns

A public comment at the Oct. 8 Douglas County commission meeting prompted a discussion about whether the county should publish speakers’ home addresses in meeting minutes and sign‑in sheets.

John Imes, a resident who spoke during general public comment, asked the commission to stop publishing speakers’ home addresses in the minutes, saying the practice risks doxxing and could deter civic participation. Imes told the commission he “formally request[ed] that this practice be stopped.”

County staff and commissioners responded with background on current practice. Sarah (county staff) said the sign‑in sheet is a public document and the county publishes what a speaker provides on that sheet; she added Kansas law allows exemption of addresses only in narrow circumstances, such as for law‑enforcement officers and judges who submit specific forms. Commissioners discussed balancing public‑record transparency against privacy concerns and suggested practical options: ask speakers to provide only ZIP code or general location on the public sign‑in sheet while allowing them to give full contact details privately to staff for follow‑up.

Commissioners asked staff to review the current practice and sign‑in materials. Several commissioners said they value knowing a speaker’s locality for context on planning and land‑use items but agreed the sign‑in format could be adjusted so speakers who prefer not to share a full address are still able to comment. Sarah said she would work with the clerk’s office (Robin) and the commission chair to explore changes and clarify the commission’s opening statement about address collection.

No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; commissioners directed staff to review options and return with recommendations. Staff noted that any changes must account for public‑records requirements under Kansas law.