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Coats adopts formal public‑comment policy; mayor retains discretion to extend time
Summary
The Town of Coats Board of Commissioners adopted a public‑comment policy drafted with town legal guidance and School of Government best practices; the mayor may grant extra time at his discretion while the policy prohibits yielding time to another speaker. The measure passed unanimously.
The Town of Coats Board of Commissioners on Aug. 14 adopted a formal public‑comment policy intended to clarify time limits and procedures for both public forums and hearings. Town Manager Barbara Hollerand told the board the proposal "was created with guidance from the Town Attorney in compliance with State law and best practices used by the School of Government." The board approved the policy by unanimous vote (motion by Commissioner Jerry Beasley; second by Mayor Pro Tem Marc Powell).
Board members discussed whether speakers should be allowed to yield their time to another person. Mayor Pro Tem Marc Powell said he preferred allowing extra time for a speaker to finish rather than allowing them to transfer their time; Hollerand said the policy, as written, prevents yielding time but that the mayor could grant additional minutes at his discretion. The board indicated the policy could be revisited and amended later if needed.
The adopted policy is intended to standardize practice across public forums and hearings while leaving limited flexibility for the presiding officer. The action follows advice from the town attorney and aims to align Coats’ public-comment procedures with common municipal practices.
