Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves single public comment period policy, prompting public pushback
Summary
The Board adopted a Public Comment Policy that limits meetings to one general comment period for county taxpayers or residents, with a three‑minute limit per speaker; the motion passed 5‑2 and drew multiple citizens’ objections during public comment.
On Jan. 10, 2024 the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors approved a revised Public Comment Policy that replaces a previous two‑period format with a single general public comment period limited to county taxpayers or residents.
The policy, moved by Supervisor Walter T. Bailey and adopted 5‑2, requires speakers to sign up prior to the meeting, state their full name and address for the record, and limits remarks to three minutes. It also prohibits campaigning, promoting private business ventures, using profanity or threatening language, and personal insults. The policy allows submission of written or emailed comments for summarization by staff and provides an accommodation contact for those needing special arrangements.
Several citizens addressed the Board in both the meeting’s public comment periods to urge retaining a second comment period. Kathy Liston and Earl Strain explicitly opposed removing the second period; George Toombs and Terry Ramsey both voiced displeasure and asked for clarifications on related matters, including use of DemTech voting machines and earlier audit scheduling. P.K. Pettus asked that outside government departments be invited to present objective information on solar projects rather than relying on informal comment alone.
Supervisor Bailey said he brought the proposal forward at the request of constituents in his district; the motion to adopt the policy was seconded by Supervisor Robert L. Shook, Jr. and carried with five votes in favor and two opposed. The Board entered the complete policy text into the meeting record.
