Blount County rules committee backs 5-minute, two‑turn speaking limit for commissioners

The Blount County Commission Rules Committee voted Feb. 25 to forward a recommendation that would limit individual commissioner speaking time on a motion to two five‑minute periods, with two specific exceptions.

Committee members said the proposed change would replace the current practice under Robert’s Rules, which they described as allowing longer speaking periods in some circumstances. The nut graf: the committee believes a 10‑minute maximum per motion will streamline debate while preserving limited exceptions for procedural motions.

Under the proposed language for rule 4(c), each commissioner could speak twice on a given motion, five minutes each time, except when (1) a motion to postpone to the next meeting or indefinitely is made — in which case speaking would be limited to a single two‑minute turn — and (2) appeals from the chair’s decision would follow the timing specified in Robert’s Rules. The committee discussed how question‑and‑answer exchanges are counted against a member’s speaking time and noted the chair’s role in enforcing the limit.

Commissioner French moved to forward the language for approval, with Commissioner Giles seconding. The clerk recorded four yes votes and the motion to forward carried.

Committee members discussed enforcement and practice: the presenter said answers from others count against the questioner’s allotment and that commissioners should interrupt to end a line of questioning if time is being consumed. The committee also noted that the chair can cut off a speaker who exceeds allotted time.

The forwarded recommendation will be accompanied by a resolution for consideration by the full commission.