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Commission reopens discussion on public-comment limits after residents press for full access
Summary
After several residents and speakers criticized a recent change limiting public comment during regular commission meetings, the Panama City Commission agreed to reopen the policy and to accept public comments on both agenda and non-agenda items while staff prepares a clearer procedure for future meetings.
A heated discussion about public comment rules at the Panama City Commission meeting on June 24 prompted the commission to agree to reopen, clarify and workshop its procedures after multiple residents said a recent change unfairly restricted citizens’ access to the dais.
Residents, advocacy groups and multiple commissioners questioned language adopted at a prior meeting that some understood to limit when members of the public may speak during regular commission meetings. "It's stifling the citizens from being able to come up here and voice their opinion on anything that involves the city," community commentator Jerry Parker said during public comment.
Several other callers and speakers told the commission they had been confused about the change and that the city's formal rules of procedure still state: "audience participation shall be held prior to the business of the city for items appearing on the agenda and for all other items within the purview of the city's commission's authority." City Attorney McSwain told the commission the written rules currently on file do not limit public comment to agenda items alone, but the governing body has the power to adopt more restrictive rules if a majority votes to do so.
Commissioners debated operational goals — reducing meeting length and improving efficiency — and civic access. Commissioner Lucas said the aim was to provide an alternative forum "to have time to unpack and address" complex topics outside the main meeting, while others said citizens must retain a clear, regular route to address the full commission.
After extended public remarks from residents including Jody Moore, Diane Chidoba and Walter P. Henry, and discussion among commissioners, the body reached a practical compromise: open public comments will continue for agenda and non-agenda items at the current meeting, and staff will return with a clarified proposal and timeline for workshop rules and town-hall alternatives. The commission also directed that public participation required by statute remain available before any vote affecting the public.
No formal ordinance or binding change was adopted at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to bring proposed rule language back for further consideration and potential adoption at a future meeting.
