Vigo County oversight board adopts public-comment policy citing Indiana Open Door law
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Summary
The Vigo County Oversight Board adopted a public-comment policy requiring 48 hours' notice for posted meetings, allowing three-minute comments per speaker, and reserving the presiding officer's authority to manage disruptions; the policy was read into the record and adopted by voice vote.
The Vigo County Oversight Board voted to adopt a public-comment policy it said complies with Indiana's Open Door law and balances public input with orderly meetings.
Unidentified Speaker 4 read the policy into the record, citing the statute as "Indiana's open door law, 5 14 1.5," and explained that the law requires public access and notice for meetings but does not guarantee citizens the right to speak. The policy, attached to meeting agendas, requires at least 48 hours' public notice for meetings when a majority of the group will convene and allows citizens to attend and record. It states that citizens "must be recognized by the presiding officer to speak" and may be granted up to three minutes per meeting; the board reserves the right to decline comment if time does not allow and may warn or remove disruptive attendees.
Unidentified Speaker 3 moved to adopt the policy and the motion was seconded; members expressed support and the policy was adopted by voice vote. The reading also clarified that executive sessions may be used for personnel, litigation or security matters but cannot be used to take final action.
Board members said the policy will be attached to each meeting agenda and posted to inform the public how and when they may comment. The chair reminded attendees of the next meeting time.