Granite County adopts updated public-participation policy, adds phone 'star-9' option

Granite County commissioners voted Sept. 16 to adopt an updated public meeting participation policy that maintains video as the preferred way for members of the public to offer comment but adds a phone-based exception.

The change, passed after a lengthy public-comment exchange, requires participants using Zoom video to appear on camera to speak. Commissioners agreed to include an exception allowing callers on the county's phone lines to indicate they wish to speak by pressing star-9; the clerk or meeting manager will then unmute and recognize the caller at the chair's discretion.

The update follows public testimony from Justine Richmond, who urged clearer procedures to improve access for residents who cannot attend in person or use video. Richmond told the board she had "perused the Montana local government board handbook" and recommended the star-9 option so callers could signal they wanted to speak. Commissioners discussed operational details, including how phone callers are shown on the Zoom participant list and the need for a clear exception process when a caller's camera is unavailable.

Supporters said permitting star-9 would make meetings more accessible for people on the road or without reliable internet while retaining the county's ability to enforce decorum and verify speakers. Skeptics noted a video requirement helps the board see who is speaking and guard against abusive or disruptive calls.

The policy language adopted gives the chair reasonable discretion to allow exceptions for callers who cannot transmit video, and staff added the star-9 instruction to the posted procedure. The board said it would continue to publish official written minutes while the video recording remains available as a public record.

The commission said the change is intended to strike a balance between accessibility and orderly meetings; the adopted policy will be implemented immediately.