The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a change in its rules allowing a second public comment period at future regular meetings.

County officials said that with those meetings beginning at 5 p.m. and the sole public comment period coming early on, some residents who commute considerable distances can miss it. County attorney Ken Jarrard said that depending on how the agenda shapes up at a particular meeting the second period could come at the close of the public hearing section generally, before new business is heard, or prior to adjournment.

Currently, the public comment period is limited to 10 speakers and 30 minutes. Jarrard says the second chance will double access to a potential one hour and 20 speakers. The change goes into effect at the next regular meeting.

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A migrant farmworker harvests Vidalia onions at a farm in Collins, in 2011. A coalition of farmworkers, including one based in Georgia, filed suit last month in federal court arguing that cuts to H-2A wages will trigger a cut in the pay and standard of living of U.S. agricultural workers. (Bita Honarvar/AJC)

Credit: Bita Honarvar