LACIE SILVA
Editor
The Town of Jasper Mayor and Alderman board passed two resolutions recently for public comments procedures and their fiscal year budget amendments.
Judge Raines introduced the first resolution aimed at formalizing the process for public comments during city board meetings. He explained that this resolution, labeled 2024.09.12, was prompted by a new law requiring municipal and county governments to set aside time for the public to comment on agenda items. Prior to this, the city had no official rules or guidelines for handling public input, and the process was largely informal. At the Mayor’s request, Judge Raines drafted the resolution to ensure that both the board and the public understood the procedure for public comments.
The resolution outlines the conduct and process for public comments, specifying a 15-minute period during which each speaker is allotted three minutes to address the board. If multiple individuals wish to speak on the same topic, the group must designate one representative to speak for three minutes. Additionally, the resolution sets forth the process for requesting an item to be added to the agenda, requiring at least two weeks’ notice to ensure compliance with public notice regulations. With this specification, the individual is granted five minutes when officially on the agenda to speak.
Judge Raines further emphasized that disruptions during meetings could be classified as a Class A misdemeanor under state law, ensuring that public decorum is maintained. The board unanimously approved the resolution without further discussion, providing a clear and structured way for citizens to engage with the board.
