Skagit County adopts rules of decorum for public meetings

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners adopted Monday formal rules of decorum for county public meetings.

"The Board recognizes the importance of public participation while also ensuring that meetings can be conducted efficiently, respectfully, and without disruption," reads the resolution.

The resolution states that although all public meetings are open to the public "the public has no right to speak at a meeting unless advertised as such," or it is deemed appropriate by the Board of Commissioners.

The adopted rules are the first on record for the county.

Skagit County spokesperson Jenn Rogers said in an email that such rules "are very common among local governments to ensure public meetings are conducted in a matter that allows effective participation and the ability for governing body to carry out business."

"We regularly review existing policies and consider whether new policies are needed to address changing law, operational practices, community expectations, and organizational priorities," said Rogers.

Under the rules, those wanting to address the Board of Commissioners must first be recognized by the board chair, and can be required to fill out a sign-in sheet.

Those speaking must first state their name and mailing address.

The rules restrict signs and other displays that interfere with the meeting, and do not allow commenters to issue complaints or charges against a nonelected county employee.

Commenters are limited to three minutes and cannot give their speaking time to another.

Under the resolution, the board chair is authorized to enforce the rules.

That can include issuing a warning, directing a commenter to conclude their comments, or requiring a commenter to leave the meeting.

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