A period of time for "Public Comment" will be designated on the meeting agenda during which the public may comment on issues related to County business. The Dickenson County Board of Supervisors believes that the citizens of the County should be heard and that this is an acceptable format for receiving public comment.
The chairman and parliamentarian are jointly responsible for the orderly conduct of the meeting and shall rule on such matters as the appropriateness of the subject being presented and length of time for such presentation. Upon recognition by the chairman, the speaker shall address himself to the chairman and if, at the conclusion of his remarks, any member of the Board of Supervisors desires further information, the member will address the speaker only with the permission of the chairman. No one will be allowed to make additional presentations until everyone who wishes to speak has an opportunity to make an initial presentation.
After the Public Comment section of the meeting is closed, the public shall not be allowed to participate in general board member discussions regarding agenda items unless requested to do so by the Board. Public participation with the board members regarding agenda items can be disruptive and the practice is prohibited by Roberts Rules of Order. It is the desire of the Board of Supervisors to treat each member of the public fairly and equally. Allowing one individual to participate while excluding others is unfair. The Board may hold such public hearings as may be necessary to allow the public to more fully express their concerns.
While we do not wish to restrict the free expression of opinion, we feel that certain restrictions may be necessary so that order and reasonable standards of decorum may be maintained.
Please read the Notice (PDF) for more information.