Putnam County Legislature adopts post‑debate public‑comment rule, tables separate sales‑tax measure

The Putnam County Legislature on April 28 unanimously approved a change to its meeting process to add a public‑comment period after debate and before votes for each agenda item. Under the new rule, members of the public who wish to speak will be allowed one three‑minute comment per item.

The change was proposed as a motion early in the special meeting and passed by unanimous voice/roll call, according to the clerk’s announcement. The chair stated the intent was to allow public input on each item following debate but before any final vote.

Later in the same meeting the legislature moved to table a separate sales‑tax resolution (referred to as agenda item 6) because a clerk responsible for required signatures was unavailable and the item could not be turned around within the three‑day deadline for executive delivery. Legislators said they would hold the matter at a special meeting when all members and the clerk could be present.

The tabling motion carried by roll call. Legislators said the delay was procedural and not a…