Public comment divided: county outreach shows higher opposition when social media included

Staff presented outreach results showing differing reaction depending on which channels were counted. "There were a total of 213 from email, Cognito forms, and Facebook commentary on county posts," Angel Meng said, reporting that 66% of those were opposed to the draft ordinance and 28% were in support. Excluding Facebook comments, Meng said there were 110 comments via email and Cognito: 49% opposed and 43% in support.

Opponents argued that bags are commonly reused (for trash liners, pet waste and other household tasks), that bans represent government overreach and that alternatives can impose costs on small businesses and fixed‑income residents. Michael Ibling referenced life‑cycle assessments and said some replacement bags only reduce net impacts if reused many times. Supporters emphasized litter and wildlife risk: Celeste Raffin argued the county uses roughly 5,000,000 single‑use bags a year (an estimate she presented to the board) and Jody Benson described finding biodegradable and conventional bags in local canyons.

Speakers also raised enforceability questions and whether penalties in the draft might be excessive. The board heard both perspectives before taking an advisory vote against recommending adoption to council.