Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission tables vote on updated public-comment policy after hours of debate
Summary
Commissioners debated moving non-agenda public comment to the end of meetings and setting time limits, with supporters citing efficiency and opponents saying changes would reduce access for working residents; the motion to adopt an updated policy was tabled.
County legal staff presented an amendment to the public-comment policy that would split comments (agenda items at the start; non-agenda items at the end) and allow a fixed early-session time limit. Commissioners debated whether limits would unfairly restrict working residents and whether the change aimed to curb repetitive testimony.
"I think the important thing to remember is that right now, I feel like a lot of people in the community think this is a Tonganoxie thing," said Tammy Patton, who urged keeping access open while seeking clarity and time for studies. Commissioner proponents of the change cited contractor and staff schedules and the need to keep meetings efficient; one commissioner proposed a 1.5-hour cap for agenda-item public comment at the beginning and no time limit later, but the motion was rescinded and eventually tabled.
The board voted to table the proposed update and directed staff to revisit the draft policy and consider compromise options such as a clear early-session cutoff and improved public notice.
