Staff proposes scripted public-hearing procedure to limit post-hearing debate

Matt, a county staff member, outlined a proposed change to public-hearing procedure aimed at making meetings more orderly and transparent. He said the county would add a statement read at the start of open public hearings, call for a vote after each agenda item, and require a motion, second and roll-call vote for formal recommendations.

The change is intended to limit repetitive public comments and to prevent board members from engaging with members of the public after the hearing has formally closed. “When we get into the actual case… the chairperson is going to read out this statement. This statement really kind of sets the ground rules for how the meeting is going to be conducted,” Matt said, describing the proposed script and how it would be used to prompt motions to open and close hearings.

A commission member asked whether votes would be taken individually or as an ‘all in favor’ voice vote; Matt said recommendation votes would be roll call once a formal recommendation is made. He emphasized that limiting board-member remarks after the hearing closes helps avoid reopening the floor to repetitive comments and heated exchanges.

Supporters said the scripted language would allow the chair and staff to manage hearings more efficiently, prevent meetings from running late and ensure each speaker has an equal opportunity to be heard. The speaker acknowledged the scripting will not be perfect immediately but said it should reduce repetitive testimony and shorten lengthy hearings.

The meeting continued to other agenda items; no formal policy change or vote on the proposed procedure was recorded during this session.