City officials have argued that consolidating public comment would make meetings more predictable while cutting staffing costs associated with keeping employees available throughout lengthy council meetings.
In a May 1 memo outlining proposed changes to council meetings, city staff recommended consolidating public comment near the beginning of meetings and establishing a 90-minute overall limit. The city estimates the changes could save $150,632 in City Clerk overtime costs, according to the Signal Tribune.
City Clerk Monique De La Garza said three to four employees staff the city’s call center during council meetings to handle remote participation and remain on duty until meetings end. Moving most public comment to the beginning of the meeting could allow those employees to finish that work earlier.
Mayor Rex Richardson characterized the proposal during the Sept. 1 discussion as a cost-saving measure amid the city’s budget deficit rather than simply a reduction in public participation, according to the Signal Tribune.
Residents Opposed Changes
More than 20 people participated in person or remotely in opposition to the proposal during the Sept. 1 meeting, while roughly 20 additional written comments opposed the changes, the Signal Tribune reported.