Budget committee adds formal public-comment section to bylaws

The Litchfield Budget Committee voted June 25 to add a formal public-comment section to its bylaws, specifying when members of the public may speak, what information they must provide for the record and the chair’s authority to manage remarks.

Chair opened the section read into the record from legal counsel, which allows public comment during portions of budget committees as determined by the chair, requires speakers to provide their full name and address, and states comments are offered "without expectation of response, discussion, or debate" from committee members. The text also grants the chair authority to end remarks that are repetitive, disruptive, or unrelated to the committee’s statutory responsibilities.

Supporters said codifying the practice will clarify expectations for attendees and help maintain orderly meetings. Mr. Hayes moved to add the section; Mr. Taylor seconded. After brief discussion about whether the language was overly broad, the motion was approved in a roll-call vote recorded in the meeting as "Motion carries 7 0 1." Chair said staff will update the bylaws and circulate the revised text to the committee.

The change will apply to future budget committee meetings and will be included in the committee’s posted bylaws and meeting materials.