Commissioners table Speak Up Brevard SEER policy changes after split over workshops, staff review and timelines

Brevard County commissioners on Aug. 26 debated proposed updates to the Speak Up Brevard SEER (citizen efficiency/effectiveness recommendation) policy and agreed to table the item to the next meeting to allow additional staff and board discussions.

The changes proposed by Commissioner Delaney included: opening the submission window earlier (Dec. 1 rather than Jan. 1), removing language described as discouraging to citizens, codifying an annual public workshop for SEER participants, preventing the county manager from summarily removing submissions from board review, and shortening the staff review period from 90 days to 60 days so commissioners would have more time to consider staff recommendations.

Supporters from the public and the SEER working group addressed the board during public comment. Susan Connolly and Elizabeth Blackford, members of an ad-hoc SEER improvement group, told commissioners the process could be made more efficient and citizen-friendly without unmanageable demands on staff. Sarah Hodge urged that more public records be posted online and supported the proposed changes.

Opponents questioned staff capacity and costs. Vice Chair Goodson said staff already should have sufficient review time and warned of the expense of extra workshops or special meetings, noting that last year 77 submissions arrived from a county of roughly 658,447 residents. Goodson argued the existing 90-day staff review period be preserved, and that commissioners’ offices are the primary channel for constituent issues.

Commissioner Altman and others said they wanted more time to absorb proposals and explore how the SEER process fits with existing advisory bodies. Several commissioners emphasized they valued citizen input but wanted to avoid overburdening staff.

After debate, Commissioner Altman moved to table the policy to the next commission meeting to allow further work with staff; Commissioner Delaney seconded. The roll call was: Commissioner Delaney — yes; Vice Chair Goodson — no; Commissioner Atkinson — yes; Commissioner Altman — yes; Chairman Feltner — yes. The item will return for additional consideration.

Why it matters: the SEER process is required by the county charter to give citizens an annual mechanism to submit written recommendations to improve county effectiveness and efficiency. Changes to the administrative policy will affect how citizens participate and how staff resources are allocated.

Quotes:
"The SIRS program is supposed to be for efficiency and effectiveness, not request for goods or services," Vice Chair Goodson said in opposition to the proposed changes.
"People are looking for a real engagement opportunity to where it's not just a checked box," Commissioner Delaney said in support of codifying workshops and expanding access.

Ending: The board voted to table the item for further staff work and discussion. Staff and commissioners will meet with the SEER working group to refine proposals before the matter returns to the board.