County Commissioners are working on an updated resolution regarding public comments at County Commission meetings.

At the county’s Legislative Committee meeting Thursday night, they worked on creating an updated resolution defining the requirements for public comments during Warren County Commission meetings. Currently there is not a resolution defining the rules, but public commenters are required to give a 10-day notice and only have 2 minutes to speak. They are also supposed to state their name and residency, which Commissioner Robert Hennessee pointed out is not always happening, leading to out-of-county residents speaking.

“I think there needs to be a vetting process involved there,” said Hennessee. “I don’t know that we actually need to put that down, but I think it is important for people to recognize who that is and where they do live. Because we have had people come into our courtroom that are not from Warren County and there are other platforms for those people to comment on and give a description of the message they are trying to give. For someone not to be a part of our county, I don’t know, I’m a little bit hesitant to want someone like that to be part of the discussion.” The committee agreed and decided to make public comment only open for Warren County residents or those who own land in Warren County.

The committee also discussed the possibility of referring some potential public commenters to committees that pertain to their needs instead of going to the full County Court with their problem. During the vetting process of public commenters, the County Executive or his assistant could refer them to a committee that would be able to better solve their problem quicker.

If they do choose to speak at the County Commission meeting, when their time runs out the chairperson could mention a committee they could follow up with if their issue continues.

“I think every voice should be heard. It is just about finding the right place for that voice to be heard,” said Commissioner Carlene Brown. “The chairperson could say we appreciate you coming and we hear your concern and Commissioner Carl Bouldin is over the committee that would be a good place for you to come back and follow up.”

They also discussed changing the time limit to 3 minutes instead of 2. Recently there has been backlash over the 2-minute limit and has resulted in someone being removed from the courtroom when they refused to follow that rule.

“What if we give these folks 3 minutes? Nothing less than 2. You can’t hardly breathe in 2 minutes, but I wouldn’t go to 4,” said Brown.

“Well I remember Mr. Curtis even mentioned that you have to sort of put a constraint or limit and you could have 20 people show up and give them 3 minutes apiece and then you are in a hurting real quick. I think 3 minutes is fine, but you have to limit so many during that time before business takes place,” said Commissioner Daniel Owens.

Multiple people speaking about the same topic was also addressed.

Hennessee suggested posting the requirements on the county website so everyone will understand the rules and include an application for public comment. The proposed resolution was not finalized at this meeting, but so far the requirements and rules for public comment at the County Commission meeting are: they must be a Warren County resident or own land in Warren County. They will have a 3-minute time limit, only two people can speak on the same topic, and they must give a 10-day notice.