The Williams County Board of County Commissioners adopted a public comment policy on Aug. 5 to comply with a newly passed North Dakota law requiring political subdivisions to have a public comment policy.
Human resources/county staff presented the policy, noting it codifies the board’s long‑standing practice of allowing open public comment. The statute allows jurisdictions to set time limits for public comment at particular meetings; commissioners said they do not intend to impose standing limits now but retained the option to do so if a future board wishes.
The board voted to approve the policy and authorized the chairman to sign. Staff said they would circulate the policy and implement it in meeting procedures.
Why this matters: The policy ensures the county complies with state law while preserving the board’s historical approach to public comment. It also clarifies the board’s authority to limit comment time at individual meetings if necessary.