The public comment segment of Iroquois County Board meetings may have some new guidelines in place, if approved by the full county board.

The Board is trying to address what has become, at times, lengthy public comment sessions. A proposed policy put together and discussed by the Policy & Procedure committee ensures citizens an opportunity to address the board and present views that concern Iroquois County, while also helping to move meetings along efficiently.

Limiting comments to 5 minutes is suggested, but the chairman is allowed to offer more time if necessary. The proposal calls for a 30-minute time limit for the public comment segment of the agenda. But again, the chairman may allow more time if warranted.

The Board encourages the comments to focus on topics related to the board meeting agenda.

Citizens having already addressed the board on a specific issue within the prior two months may be denied to make public comment on that issue again.

State's Attorney Jim Devine, earlier criticized what appeared to limit the public from involvement. Not all issues are matters the board wants to talk/hear about, he said, but that doesn't mean the public should be denied from commenting or presenting views.

Board members are not obligated to respond to any public comments or questions.

94.1 WGFA