Commissioner raises transparency concerns over Item 13 as public comment closes

Public comments concluded with two named attendees, and commissioners moved to internal remarks where procedural transparency drew the meeting’s attention.

Commissioner Stewart said the commission should be careful about how it lists items on the agenda, pointing to Item 13 as an example. “I just do not like us putting items on the agenda for a discussion,” Stewart said, arguing that if an item is intended for a vote it should be written that way so “the rest of the citizens of the county can chime in on this.” She added, “I just think we're getting into treacherous waters, and I think we've gone a long way to be an open government, and that's not open in my opinion.”

Another commissioner voiced agreement while a separate member noted they had no problem with the practice; a different commissioner warned about the consequences of rewriting ordinances and of “90 day delays,” urging care with procedural changes. The record shows no formal motion or vote on Item 13 during this session.

Separately, an unidentified commissioner announced an upcoming TDC workshop scheduled for tomorrow from 3 to 5 p.m., noting the county commission will facilitate the event, and said the TDC council — which the speaker said they chair — will meet Thursday with another 3 to 5 p.m. session. “So a lot of meetings this week,” the speaker said, inviting participation.

The meeting recessed with no formal actions taken and was scheduled to resume at 7:00 p.m.