County Public Comment Allowed For Agenda Items Only

Public comment is set to return to Lincoln County Board of Commissioners meetings, at least in a limited form, after Commissioner Walter Chuck asked to reopen the process for residents to speak on county business. Near the close of the April 30 Board of Commissioners regular meeting, Commissioner Chuck asked to consider reinstating public comment, which has been absent in recent sessions.

“I would like us to consider bringing public commenting back at the next meeting,” Chuck said, suggesting a cautious restart. “Just keep it to agenda topics for now and then see how it proceeds.” Commissioner Miller agreed to the approach, and the two came to a consensus that public comment would be added back to the agenda at the next regular meeting, with a clear limitation: comments must be tied to items already on that meeting’s agenda.

The change means that residents will again have a formal opportunity to address commissioners directly, but will not yet be able to raise off‑agenda issues or general concerns. Commissioner Chuck signaled he wants to “see how it proceeds” before deciding whether to expand public comment beyond agenda‑only topics.

The decision comes at a time of heightened public interest in county issues, including a vacancy in Commissioner Position 2, ongoing debates over land use and transportation, and regional concerns about health care, housing and infrastructure. Public comment had been suspended in earlier meetings amid tensions over meeting conduct. Commissioners will continue to meet virtually. That means members of the public who wish to speak will need to participate via the county’s online meeting platform and ensure their remarks are tied to specific agenda items, at least under the current rules.

County staff recommended that public comment stop and that commission meetings should become virtual only after reporting that staff felt unsafe at public meetings. Commissioner Chuck agreed, referring to a letter sent from the county's insurance carrier. Public comment periods became increasingly contentious throughout 2025, with residents and even county staff using the time to raise concerns about governance, workplace issues, and alleged retaliation.

In response, staff implemented new restrictions on how and when the public can speak, including structured submission processes and tighter controls over participation.

These changes were not part of the original, board-approved rules, raising questions about transparency and authority. Commissioners did not vote to stop public comment and move to online virtual meetings only; this was brought forth by staff.

While the board did not specify exactly how the public comment will be structured—such as time limits or sign‑up procedures—it indicated that details will be worked out and implemented in time for the next regular meeting, which is scheduled for May 13th.

Residents interested in speaking will need to watch the upcoming agenda closely to ensure their remarks are related to the listed items, at least while the board tests this more limited format.