Board debates single- vs. two-reading requirement for ordinances in rules of procedure revision

County Administrator David presented a substantial rewrite of the county's rules of procedure intended to clarify public-facing rules and internal board procedures. A focal point of discussion was Rule 4 on ordinances: the proposed draft retains an option for two readings but also offers language to allow adoption at the same meeting as a public hearing in some cases.

Commissioners debated trade-offs. Some argued two readings provide clarity and predictable scheduling for members of the public; others said requiring two readings can delay important changes and add redundant public-notice costs if the planning commission and other processes already provide public input. Commissioner Carney noted that repeated re-notifications for the same ordinance (example cited: lakeshore ordinance work) had extended the process substantially and increased costs.

Administrator David and the chair summarized direction: staff will bring back a draft for formal adoption in January that preserves the option for two readings while clarifying when a single-meeting adoption is acceptable and how the board should exercise that discretion. The board requested language that avoids ambiguity over who decides and when, while preserving transparency and public notice for land-use related matters.

What happens next: staff will return the revised rules in January with language reflecting the board's direction to keep options but ensure clarity about public-notice expectations and the ability to defer adoption if additional public input is warranted.