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Citizen urges tighter rules on addendum items and public notice at Augusta Commission
Summary
Moses Todd of I Love Augusta told the commission that frequent late addendum items on agendas can undermine the public's right to comment; commissioners said they try to avoid hiding items and that some addenda are justified.
Moses Todd, representing I Love Augusta, urged the commission to tighten its rules for adding items to meeting agendas on short notice. Todd said frequent addendums can be used to circumvent public notice and the Open Meetings Act, especially when last-minute items are later placed on a consent agenda with no public discussion.
Todd said certain addenda involving substantial spending or change orders should require explicit public notice and an opportunity for public comment, similar to budget hearings. Commissioners responded that some addendum items — such as public-safety responses during Masters weekend and urgent senior-nutrition funding — were appropriate, that the commission examines addendum items and that any commissioner objection could prevent an item from being added. Mayor Pro Tempore Wayne Guilfoyle said the body aims to be transparent and does not intend to hide items from the public.
No formal rule change or motion was recorded; Todd urged action by resolution or policy requiring a supermajority to adopt a standing rule change if desired.
