Public Comment Time Guidelines

Summary

The freedom of speech is a guaranteed right in the United States Constitution. Open government is the cornerstone of the American republic. Citizens should always have the opportunity to be heard anytime a local governing body is meeting. Therefore, the American City County Exchange has developed principles of public comment time which preserve the liberty of citizens and are conducive to expedient public meetings.

Public Comment Time Guidelines

Summary

The freedom of speech is a guaranteed right in the United States Constitution. Open government is the cornerstone of the American republic. Citizens should always have the opportunity to be heard anytime a local governing body is meeting. Therefore, the American City County Exchange has developed principles of public comment time which preserve the liberty of citizens and are conducive to expedient public meetings.

  1. All meetings, workshops and committees should allow for public comment (excluding executive session as strictly defined by state law).
  2. The length of time and placement of public comment on the agenda is at the discretion of the presiding official. Standard practice is [3] minutes per person.
  3. The length of time and placement of public comment should be consistent on the agenda for every meeting, workshop and committee. In accordance to state law, an agenda showing the time and placement should be posted in advance of the meeting.
  4. The [governing body] wishes to conduct the people’s business as expeditiously as possible; therefore, if delegations are present, it is requested to have a spokesperson address delegation’s subject.