"It's not on the agenda." Commissioner Butch Mosely was told by County Chairman Earl Perry, and for the first time, the "3 minute egg timer" was in play for public participation.  No one is allowed to speak about anything that is not on the agenda.

In addition "All Public Comments are Restricted to Public Participation Agenda Items".

I understand that to mean that if you are not lucky enough to have your problem on the County Commissioner's agenda, then you will not be allowed to speak.

Commissioners will also not respond in any way to a speaker, saying they would wait until the agenda item is discussed and address concerns at that time.

So much for the "Better Public Relations and Communication" thingy they were hoping for.

Chairman Earl Perry explained to us that all the new rules were discussed and agreed upon in their recent County Retreat.  

Below is the handout made available regarding Public Participation.

Decatur County Board of Commissioners
Public Participation At Meetings

Anyone may sign up, prior to the beginning of a meeting, to make comments during the Public Participation portion of the meeting.

If more than one person is interested in making comments about the same issue, the group will be allowed to have one person offer comments.

Each public participant will have a 3 minute period to present his/her comments.

Public comments will not be permitted at any time during the remainder of the meeting.

If a public participant wishes to follow up on his/her comments, he/she may contact any of the following persons:

Mr. Tom Patton, county administrator - 229.248.3030
Dr. Earl Perry, chairman - 229.416,7358
Dr. Butch Mosely, vice chairman - 229.416.7362
Mr. Gary Phillips, commissioner - 229.416.7359
Mr. Palmer Rich, commissioner - 229.416.7360
Mr. Russell Smith, commissioner - 229.416.7739
Dr. Charles Stafford, commissioner - 229.416.7357

Apparently there's a need for some refinement of the "rules".