Board members call for stricter decorum and clearer rules for public comment after heated exchanges

A lengthy discussion on decorum and public comment consumed part of the agenda review meeting as trustees reacted to recent contentious public meetings and social‑media rhetoric.

Trustee Pat Bradford opened the exchange by saying the level of decorum at recent board meetings has declined and urged the board to adhere to existing policies and a board code of ethics. Several trustees — including Josie Barnhart, Tim Merrick and Pete Wildebore — said the board should model professional behavior and avoid social‑media attacks that can inflame tensions and create targets for harassment. Barnhart referenced a recent bomb threat to a county meeting and warned that inflamed political rhetoric can lead to danger for elected officials. Merrick emphasized that public speakers deserve the same respect trustees ask of themselves and that the board must not shut out community members who disagree.

Multiple trustees noted that Robert’s Rules and district policy require speakers to address the chair and keep remarks courteous; one trustee said the board will call points of order and enforce policy when speakers personally attack staff or board members. Trustees said staff and chairs should apply rules consistently and that board members should self-police their own public comments and social media use to avoid undermining partnerships (for example, with county commissioners). The board did not adopt new formal sanctions at the agenda review meeting but directed staff and the chair to bring proposed clarifications to policy language and to remind the public of existing rules for conduct at future meetings.