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The Coffee County Legislative Committee, during its Sept. 29 meeting, returned a resolution concerning how public comments will be handled during County Commission meetings. 

The resolution stipulates a maximum of 10 residents of the county to speak. Each side speaking on the agenda item would be given equal opportunity for those for the agenda item and against it to be presented. Each person would be provided with a maximum of three minutes to speak.

The committee, however, had a problem with language in the resolution presented by the Policies and Procedure Committee that restricted donating speaking time. 

A physical signup sheet will be made available prior to the meeting. Those wanting to speak will be asked their name, home address, agenda item to be addressed and whether the speaker is for or against that item.

Commissioner Roger Chambers said not allowing donated time is taking away the rights of the citizens.

Commissioner Frank Watkins agreed, adding that as long as public comments were held to a time limit and the opposing side is given the same time to speak then it wouldn’t matter if time were donated.

“I don’t mind listening. That’s what I’m here for to listen to the people,” said Watkins.

Commissioner Dwight Miller cautioned that if time were donated that could run out the allotted comment period of time and prevent someone on the list from having the opportunity to speak.

The committee recommended donated time only be allowed after other agenda items are addressed.  

Watkins said that one agenda item’s comments should not monopolize the entire comment period.

Miller agreed, “I don’t want to see one person monopolize one topic, while another person is sitting out there saying ‘that’s not even my topic.’”

The Commission chairman would be tasked with moderating the speaking times, ensuring both sides get equal opportunity to speak.     

Chambers said that the Commission has no control over the boardroom.

“It’s (the chairman’s) responsibility to call order not ours,” Chambers said.  

Miller said that the Commission is not currently following its rules concerning public comments.

“We have attorney – people from other organizations showing up and talking forever, and they are not even residents of the county but we’re letting them do it,” Miller said.