The DeKalb County Commission has decided to change the way it hears from the public at county meetings and workshops, opting for a way for local citizens to have their concerns heard before decisions are made.

Previously, public comments would be heard during workshop meetings, where no formal vote could be made, at the beginning of proceedings, while at regular county meetings the public comments would be heard at the end of a meeting, after any votes had been made. This seemed backwards to some commissioners. The procedure had been in place since rules were established three years ago for how business is to be conducted during meetings.

At the Commission’s regular monthly meeting, held on Monday, November 27, the commission voted to reverse the public comments section, allowing comments to be made at the end of workshop meetings and before formal meetings. The public comment period will commence after the initial roll call and prior to action on adoption of the agenda. Each person will have three minutes to make public comment.

“This change will allow people to comment on what they have heard at the monthly Thursday night workshops (at committee of the whole meetings) and be better prepared to make comments at the monthly commission meetings before we take any votes,” said County Commissioner Tom Chandler who made the motion for the change in policy. It was adopted unanimously by the eleven commissioners in attendance.

The commission also added that a person wishing to address a meeting may announce their address or their voting district before speaking. Some commissioners had concerns over safety if someone did not wish to have their address broadcast over the radio or in the paper, giving them the option of announcing what district they are in.

In other commission news, the county is looking for a new Veteran’s Service Officer. Bill Rutherford, who has held the position for almost two and a half years has tendered his resignation effective immediately because of health reasons. County Mayor Matt Adcock said a successor has not yet been found to replace Rutherford. During Monday night’s meeting, the county commission acknowledged Rutherford’s resignation.

In other business, the commission approved the county justice committee’s recommendation to contract with the Trainor company as architect for design purposes of a proposed judicial center or jail and Bell Construction as the management company should the county move forward.