Fewer Fayette County commission meetings will stretch into marathons following a change in public comment procedures.
The Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on Feb. 14 to limit each speaker to five minutes when commenting on individual agenda items or on any topic during the designated public comment period. There is no limit on the number of speakers.
Fayette previously allowed unlimited speaking periods, which sometimes resulted in repetitive comments and meetings that lasted for several hours. County Administrator Steve Rapson said most other counties’ policies designate two to five minutes per speaker, an average also confirmed by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia. The board reserves the right to give speakers extra time if any commissioner requests additional information.
The board also voted unanimously to designate comment periods of 20 minutes per side during public hearings, which is twice as long as the state-mandated minimum.
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