Quorum Court’s public comment ordinance on track for approval

By JOEL PHELPS | arkadelphian.com

The Clark County Quorum Court on Monday took a step toward limiting public comment at its meetings.

An ordinance updating procedures on public comment headed to its second reading after much discussion. The ordinance, drafted by District 7 Justice Jenna Scott (R-Joan), would require citizens wishing to address agenda items to submit a request to the county clerk before the agenda is finalized. Citizen discussion about agenda items or proposed ordinances would be limited to a total of four five-minute presentations, alternating equally between “for” or “against” arguments.

Citizen arguments would be heard prior to the court’s own discussion and subsequent vote on agenda items.

District 4 Justice Albert Neal (D-Arkadelphia) questioned how the public would know when the agenda is prepared; Scott replied that the agenda is available on the county’s website, and citizens can request to be put on the county clerk’s e-mail distribution list to receive each meeting’s upcoming agenda.

County Judge Troy Tucker asked Scott her intent in proposing the rules. Scott replied that the rules would require a citizen to speak on an existing, sponsored agenda item rather than about a general issue. Neal argued that doing so creates an obstacle for citizens to address the court: “I don’t think they should have to jump through hoops” to voice their issues to the court, Neal said. Tucker voiced concern that forcing a citizen to say beforehand whether he’s “for” or “against” an ordinance might create a problem. Some justices seemed confused about how the agenda would be finalized between its initial distribution and the 24-hour window citizens have to be included as speakers.

The ordinance passed its first reading in a unanimous 10-0 vote, and heads to the second of three readings at the April meeting. The ordinance is on track to be adopted by May.