Finance Committee tables proposed rule change limiting when residents may address specific legislation

The New Castle County Finance Committee on May 26 debated a proposed amendment to council procedural rules that would formalize when members of the public may speak about specific legislation and when they may use the general public comment period.

Chair George Smiley opened the discussion of resolution R26‑110 by saying the change "is adding the language and codifying what we already do into our rule book," and that codification would inform the public and give committee chairs a written standard to cite. "What this will do by codifying it, it will let the public know if they look at the rules...that when we are discussing legislation, and we go to public comment, that's when they speak to that legislation," Smiley said.

Several council members said the proposal as written risked restricting general public comment. "I also share some concerns about the rule change under general public comment," said Councilwoman Doerr, who said people sometimes do not know timing rules and may want to comment after a vote. Councilman Koneko warned the language could be read as "stricter" and voiced constitutional concerns: "If somebody wants to come up to the podium and say, I think this was a really bad vote, shame on you county council. They have the absolute right to do that," he said, urging caution about limiting speech.

After discussion, Chair Smiley moved to table R26‑110 for further work rather than vote on it at the meeting. The chair noted the change would not take effect immediately if adopted, and that the item would return after additional drafting and consultation.

What happens next: Committee members asked staff to take additional time to refine the language so it preserves the ability of residents to address council actions while clarifying the legislative public‑comment period. The item was not voted on and will be scheduled for a future meeting once staff and sponsors revise the draft.