Thurston County has released new public comment guidelines ahead of a Tuesday, June 17, rollout that will alter how members of the public speak at all Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) business meetings.
The transition was publicized on Tuesday, June 5, following a prior proposal advanced at the May 28 agenda setting meeting, in which BOCC Vice Chair Wayne Fournier moved to segment public comment into two periods.
Fournier said the new public comment system would optimize the platform for the public to weigh in on both policy matters and broader county concerns.
The county’s release confirmed the new public comment format will promote order and increase access to comment time. The new format will run as a six-month pilot program. The county will then track meeting length, participation and any issues.
By late 2025, the board will weigh its effectiveness before deciding the extent to adopt it long term.
Below is a summary of the new setup, as stated in a county news release:
The board will now hold two public comment sessions at each meeting, and the public may choose to speak in one or both slots.
Public comment on agenda items: The first comment period takes place at the beginning of each meeting. It is limited to topics listed on the day’s official agenda. Speakers may voice concerns, feedback or suggestions on proposed ordinances, contracts, resolutions, or other items scheduled for board action.
General public comment: The final comment period comes before the meeting ends. It gives time for topics that are not on the agenda, but still fall under the county’s responsibilities. People may raise concerns about services, follow-ups from past meetings, or general community concerns.
The public may speak for up to three minutes per comment round. A person who signs up for both may speak for up to six minutes in total. Time limits stay fixed and cannot be moved between slots.
If turnout is high, the chair may adjust speaking time per person. This is to allow all voices to be heard.
The board will use the new format in its business meetings. The meetings are scheduled for 2 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays, with optional sessions on fifth Tuesdays.
Verbal: All public comments must be addressed to the full board. The board may refer remarks to staff or route them to the proper department for follow-up.
Written: Thurston County continues to accept written input. Public comments may still be sent through the county’s meeting portal.
For public comment support or questions, the public may email Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners Amy Davis at amy.davis@co.thurston.wa.us or call 360-786-5447.
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JulesJames
Excellent proposal. I'm curious how written comments fit into this. Does staff review and summarize written comments? Or are commissioners given the information raw and unsorted? Can speakers refer to written testimony and it be easily accessible to the Board? Logically, the goal should be to encourage written comment because the thoughts should be more organized and less mumble-tongued.
Tuesday, June 10 Report this
SecondOtter
This is a bit confusing. "All public comments must be addressed to the full board."
Does this mean that if one of the board is absent, one cannot make a comment?
Will a citizen have to consult the board member's schedule in order to make sure that the entire board is there to hear their comment? Make an appointment?
The last time I was at a meeting and made a comment verbally, one of the board members was not there.
I much prefer making a written comment, as JulesJames notes, I'm one of those people who doesn't speak well publicly, As I, too, can be considered 'mumble tongued'.
But I don't know if my written comments are or ever were actually read by the board.
4 days ago Report this