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Commissioners ask staff to redraft half‑staff flag policy after concern it narrows state guidance
Summary
Greene County commissioners discussed a proposed half‑staff observance policy that would limit lowering flags to current and former county elected officials; members asked staff to revise language to match state guidance and to define "prominent citizen," and directed a return at the July 20 meeting.
County commissioners spent the afternoon debating a draft policy that would authorize lowering county flags only for current or former county elected officials and their families, then directed staff to redraft the proposal to mirror state guidance and clarify ambiguous terms.
The county manager introduced the draft as a concise policy at the board table, saying it would give "authority to commissioners to lower flags for deceased current and past elected county officials" and that the draft should also reference state guidance on which flags can be lowered. The manager noted a flag guidance document at members' desks and offered to correct references to the state flag.
Several commissioners raised objections to the proposed limits. One commissioner said they "cannot support this policy because it is far too restrictive," arguing state law recognizes honors for a wider set of "state officers and prominent citizens" and the draft would exclude many longtime community volunteers. That commissioner urged an approach that preserves families' ability to request honors.
Commissioner Taylor and others pressed for a clear definition of "prominent citizen," warning that without objective criteria the policy would invite disputes over who qualifies. "If you're going to use the term 'prominent citizen,' you better have something in there that sets out what the definition is," a commissioner said, noting interpretations could vary widely.
Board members also questioned the proposed timing language: the draft referenced a seven‑day period but some members said state practice varies (weekend, burial, 7 days, or 30 days in different jurisdictions) and asked staff to align the policy with state law. The county attorney participated in the discussion to clarify legal constraints on local authority.
No vote was taken. The board directed the county manager and staff to revise the draft to (1) include the state flag in the text, (2) mirror applicable state law and practice on timing, and (3) provide a working definition or criteria for "prominent citizen." The item was placed on the agenda for reconsideration at the July 20 meeting.
