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Coffee County adopts public-comment policy forbidding donation of speaking time
Summary
The Coffee County Commission adopted a public-comment policy that disallows donating unused speaking time to other speakers; the commission said the change protects balanced access to the lectern. The policy passed unanimously in the recorded vote.
The Coffee County Commission voted to adopt a new Public Comment Policy that clarifies speakers may not donate or transfer their allotted time to others during the public-comment period.
Commissioner Miller moved to approve the policy and Commissioner Hollingsworth seconded. A commissioner explained the rule was intended to ensure fairness: when one person gives unused minutes to another it can reduce opportunity for voices with opposing views. That explanation was offered while the policy was being considered on the floor; the commission then approved the policy with a recorded vote of 16 yes.
The policy is procedural: it governs how public-comment time is allotted during commission meetings and does not alter who may attend or what topics commenters may raise. Commissioners said the change was meant to prevent a single speaker or a coordinated group from occupying additional time at the expense of others.
Outcome and next steps: The Public Comment Policy is in effect as adopted by the commission and will guide future meetings' public comment procedures. No retroactive enforcement was discussed.
