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Naming request for William V. 'Bill' Bell lobby prompts debate; county attorney says renaming building would require new public hearing
Summary
A staff recommendation to name the Admin 1 lobby for William V. 'Bill' Bell drew no public speakers, but commissioners debated whether to name a building instead. County attorney advised that changing the action would require a new public hearing and at least 10 days’ public notice; the clerk will re-notice the matter for a future meeting.
The board opened a public hearing Aug. 25 on a staff recommendation to name the second-floor lobby of Admin 1 for William V. "Bill" Bell. No members of the public signed up to speak; the hearing was closed and the item returned to the board for discussion.
Several commissioners praised Bill Bell’s long public service and debated whether naming a lobby was adequate or whether the county should instead name an entire building for him. One commissioner urged suspending the county’s naming policy and naming Admin 2 after Bell, saying it would “make history” and honor the former commissioner and mayor while he is still living. County legal counsel—Attorney Williamson—cautioned that if the board proposes a recommendation substantially different from the staff’s notice (for example, naming a building rather than a lobby), state/local public-notice rules require another public hearing after a 10-day advertisement. As Attorney Williamson explained, "if the recommendation substantially is changed from what's put before the board, then another public hearing is necessary." The clerk and staff discussed timelines to re-notice the hearing so the matter can return at the board’s next regular meeting.
