Residents push back as mayor probes shortening citizen comment time; council asks for alternatives

SAN MARCOS — A proposal to shorten the citizen comment period at San Marcos City Council meetings drew sustained criticism from dozens of residents at the March 3 meeting, prompting the mayor and council members to agree to study alternatives rather than immediately change the ordinance.

Mayor Houston explained she had placed an item on the agenda to consider shortening public comment to address meeting length and the council’s habit of voting late at night. Several residents and civic groups said shortening individual speaking time would disproportionately harm those who need more time to organize or to express complex concerns, including people with limited public‑speaking experience or with accessibility needs.

Speakers made three linked arguments during public comment: that citizen comment is a crucial avenue for democratic participation, that the city should not appear to retaliate against recent public turnout by narrowing the public record, and that shortening time alone would not address the underlying causes of late‑night meetings.

"Three minutes is the least that we can give to the people that are here to share what it is they want and need from you," said one resident. Others suggested alternative approaches: holding occasional special meetings focused on controversial items, setting overall meeting caps, using sign‑up group representations, or enhancing pre‑meeting distribution of materials so councilors and the public can prepare.

Council members generally expressed sympathy for both aims — preserving public access and avoiding 2 a.m. votes — but they said the narrow one‑minute change proposed by the mayor was not the right solution. Instead the council asked staff to develop practical options, including a plain‑language guide to public comment, possible special‑topic sessions, and procedures to better schedule controversial items. The council directed staff to post proposed options and a Q&A and to return with a discussion on alternatives at a future meeting.

The meeting record shows no change to the citizen comment ordinance at this session. Council members encouraged residents to email materials in advance (ideally before 5 p.m. the Friday prior to a meeting) to ensure staff and councilors have time to review complex submissions.

Why it matters: Changes to rules for public comment can alter who participates and how local government hears community concerns. Council members said they are committed to preserving meaningful public access while finding ways to reduce meeting hours and administrative strain.