Forsyth County to hold one evening meeting a month after board adopts new 2026 schedule

The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted on Dec. 4, 2025, to adopt a 2026 meeting schedule that adds one monthly evening meeting intended to increase public access and predictability. The schedule adoption (Option 2) passed 5–2 after substitute motions and an extended discussion about nighttime meetings, rezonings and public hearings.

Commissioners debated several alternatives before the final vote. One substitute motion — to hold all board meetings in the evening at 6 p.m. — failed on the floor after a 2–5 vote. Another substitute, which would have preserved the quarterly evening meetings and added a predictable special nightly slot (for rezonings and other hearings) drew substantial discussion but did not result in adoption as the board returned to an up-or-down vote on the monthly option.

Supporters said monthly evening meetings would be simpler and more predictable for the public; opponents cautioned the change could create confusion and argued that evening hearings for rezonings and budgets could remain by special meeting notice. Several public commenters who later spoke during the public session said evening meetings increased in-person participation and urged staff to track attendance as a metric.

The board explicitly left open staff procedures for advertising special hearings: rezoning hearings scheduled outside regular meeting dates must be advertised as special meetings. Following the vote, the board adopted related rules of procedure and reaffirmed a three-minute public-comment limit with flexibility for large, organized groups to appoint a spokesperson.