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Commissioners back proposal to lengthen public‑comment slots; staff to place change on next agenda
Summary
After discussion, commissioners signaled support for increasing public‑comment time at the start of meetings from three to five minutes per speaker and expanding the start‑of‑meeting time cap; staff will place a policy amendment on the next agenda for formal action.
Leavenworth County commissioners discussed changes to the board’s public‑comment policy and expressed broad support for increasing individual speaking slots at the start of meetings from three to five minutes.
Commissioners said some residents need more time to present facts and that five minutes would reduce the pressure on first‑time speakers. Under the approach staff summarized, the board would expand the start‑of‑meeting total public‑comment cap from 15 to 25 minutes and allow up to five minutes per speaker; the end‑of‑meeting public‑comment period would remain generally open but be managed with a five‑minute cap per speaker. The chair would retain discretion to grant extra time for repetitive or complex matters.
Why it matters: Commissioners framed the change as preserving public access while ensuring the meeting can proceed through its agenda. Staff told the board the change is a policy decision and will be placed on next week’s agenda for formal adoption.
Next step: County staff will return with a formal policy amendment for the board to consider at the next regular meeting.
