County Commissioners Change Rules Affecting Comments From the Public During Meetings

Polk County residents who wish to address the Board of County Commissioners during board meetings will now have several opportunities to do so, thanks to changes recently enacted by the BoCC.

Residents who wish to comment on a listed agenda item will be called during the "Public Comments Concerning Agenda Items" portion of the meeting, while those wishing to speak on a scheduled public hearing item will be invited to do so immediately following the presentation of that item, but before the vote.

Residents who would like to comment on general topics will be heard during the "Request from the General Public/Audience and Opportunity to be Heard" section, which will follwo the regular agenda items.

To speak at a meeting, residents will still need to complete a Request to Speak During Public Comment Section Sign-up Card before the start of the meeting.

Those who would like to speak are encouraged to arrive early to complete the sign-up process. When filling out the card, speakers must clearly indicate whether they are commenting on a specific agenda item, a public hearing item or a general topic not related to any item on the meeting's agenda. This helps ensure speakers are called at the appropriate time during the meeting.

For more information about upcoming meetings and how to participate please visit http://www.polk-county.net or contact the Polk County Communications Division at (863) 534-6090.