Macon Commission changes rules on public comment
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In a split vote during its March 11 meeting, Macon County Commissioners decided to reduce the time limit for people speaking during public comment. The decision was made to allow more people to speak during the monthly, 45-minute public comment sessions.
“Taking it down to three minutes just gives opportunity for more variety of opinions, so we get to hear a lot more constituents,” said Commissioner Danny Antoine. “We make better decisions that way too the more people we can get to and understand where they’re at.”
Previously, speakers during regular public comment at Macon County Commission meetings were allowed five minutes each. Public comment is capped at 45 minutes, which allows for nine speakers.
Now, each individual will be allowed three minutes to speak, which will allow for 15 speakers during the 45-minute session.
“Three minutes, if you speak well, you can get your point across,” said Chairman Josh Young, who initiated the change.
Some members of the public speaking during the March 11 meeting spoke in favor of the rule change, noting that it would allow for more members of the public to voice their opinion at each meeting.
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Commissioner Gary Shields was the only board member to oppose the change. He proposed adjusting the time allotted per speaker at the beginning of each meeting based on the number of speakers signed up.
“I think your rules of procedure are pretty clear and that gives folks, ahead of time, as they’re preparing for their presentation, how much time they’ve got to speak,” said Board Clerk Tammy Keezer.
The board voted 4-1 to approve the decision to shorten the time limit for each individual speaker to 3 minutes during public comment sessions. The new rule will take effect at the commission’s April meeting.
