It may seem like a small matter in terms of a change in procedure, but for those wanting to have input on decisions at meetings of the Coweta County Commission that small change can make the difference in having your say prior to the vote.

The change in procedure, addressed at the Feb. 2 meeting, gives residents additional time to have their names added to the audience participation list. Prior to the change, residents had to sign-up to speak prior to the beginning of the meeting.

But at the suggestion of Commissioner Randolph Collins that procedure was changed to say that residents must fill out the audience participation form prior to the specific agenda item for which the board opens up to public comment. Audience participation forms are located at the rear of the commission chambers near the door.

Collins in his rationale noted that not everyone is able to arrive prior to the beginning of the meeting.

As before, residents addressing the board on applicable agenda topics will still be given three minutes to speak per issue. The procedure suggests that those attending with a group, except in cases of zoning issues, designate a spokesperson who will have a 15 minute time limit.

Also unchanged will be the two public comments portions of commission meetings. Unlike some boards that provide for only one comment period, the Coweta County Commission has a public comments portion of the meeting near the beginning for comments pertaining to issues included on the agenda and another at the end for issues not on the agenda.

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