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What Is the difference between CITIZENS COMMENT and PUBLIC HEARINGS?
Citizens Comment and Public Hearings are actually different, even though they are the same. Make sense?!
Government cannot function without knowing the needs and will of its citizens. While it's critical that you share your opinions on major issues such as the budget or local ordinances, it's just as important to communicate with your representatives on a regular basis on issues that may be a little less serious. Pay attention to what's going on in your local government so you're not surprised, pleasantly or unpleasantly, when things happen. The best way to do this is to attend Board of Supervisors meetings. If you're not able to come in person, you can watch a live stream or video recording of the meetings on the County website. Look at the agenda packets to see what's being discussed and considered. The agenda is a summary of what will be discussed at the meeting; the packet contains all the details.
A Citizens Comment period is on the agenda of every regular Board of Supervisors meeting. This is a time for you to inform the Board of things that matter to you - issues you'd like them to consider, concerns you may have, feedback on their actions, things happening in your district, etc. During Citizens Comment, the Board's only job is to listen to you. They will not engage in a conversation or discussion with you or anyone else and won't answer questions at this time. It is important to tell the Board what they are doing right as well as to point out what you feel they are doing wrong. Remember, they are citizens just like you who have to pay taxes and obey the laws they create as well as state and federal laws regarding the way local government works. The only difference is that you elected them to represent your voice in the government. They can only do that if they hear your voice. Encourage your district Supervisor to hold a public forum or provide other easy ways for you to have your questions answered, address your concerns, or just have a discussion in a more one-on-one way.
Public Hearings are held for a specific purpose on one specific topic. Topics can include budget proposals, tax rates, changes to County ordinances, and issues considered by the Planning Commission such as Re-Zoning applications, Conditional Use Permits, and changes to the Zoning Ordinance. Most of the time, they are required by state law to ensure citizens are involved in the decision-making process. The comment period during Public Hearings is run the same way as it is during Citizens Comment. The only difference is that you can only speak on the topic of the Hearing.
So to summarize, Citizens Comment periods and Public Hearings are the same in that both are your time to express your opinions and desires. The only difference is the subject matter. With Citizens Comment, you can speak about anything that concerns you that the Board can do something about ("within the purview of the Board"). During Public Hearings, you can speak about any concerns you have pertaining only to the subject of the Hearing.
You can also submit your comments online!
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