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Soda Springs council debates meeting time; votes to resume 5 p.m. in January
Summary
After extended debate about whether later evening meetings improve public participation, the Soda Springs City Council voted to resume a 5:00 p.m. start time beginning at the first meeting in January 2025 and adjusted the January schedule to avoid the Jan. 1 holiday.
The Soda Springs City Council on Wednesday debated a proposed change to its regular meeting time before voting to return the council’s schedule to 5:00 p.m. starting with the first meeting in January 2025.
Council member Speaker 2 introduced Ordinance No. 707 to amend municipal code section 2.08.020 to make the city’s regular meetings the first and third Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. The attorney read the ordinance title aloud as council members discussed advantages and drawbacks of a permanent 6:00 p.m. start.
Proponents argued a 6:00 p.m. start makes it easier for residents who work through 5:00 p.m. to attend council meetings and comment on local business. Opponents noted the change extends staff workdays and can conflict with family schedules; several council members said they had not seen an increase in attendance since meetings were temporarily moved to 6:00 p.m.
After discussion the council instead approved a motion to resume the 5:00 p.m. meeting time beginning with the first meeting in January 2025. Because Jan. 1 is a holiday, the council agreed to hold meetings on Jan. 8 and Jan. 22 (second and fourth Wednesdays) at 5:00 p.m. until the regular rotation resumes.
The vote followed roll-call and procedural motions; council members emphasized the decision balanced transparency and staff workload. The council will publish the revised schedule and post notice for citizens.
Council members said they would continue to monitor public participation and may revisit scheduling if circumstances change.
