LOCAL GOVT.
Public comment rules: Clayton Co. and its cities
Exactly how much time you’ll have to speak at city or county meetings varies widely.
Property owners in Clayton say the county’s commission is hostile to development in a Tuesday dispute over a new land use plan.
By Arielle Kass and Mandi Albright
Dec 24, 2018We’ve all been there: Your city council or county commission is taking up a hot issue and you’re ready to speak your mind to your elected officials. The meeting is packed; plenty of folks are geared up to have their say. But do you know the rules governing public comment for your particular city? Your county? You should. Let us help you prepare for that next important meeting so you’ll make the most of your time.
>> LEARN MORE: See the public commenting rules for City of Atlanta | Cobb | DeKalb | Fulton | Gwinnett
Here are the particulars regarding public comment for Clayton County and the various cities within it. For more information, please click on the links below to visit that government’s website.
- Clayton County Commission -- Public comment is allowed at the start of the meeting. 30 minutes total allowed with three minutes allotted to each speaker (see website for details). No limits on what speakers may address. Speakers must sign up in advance (before 7 p.m.).
- Forest Park -- Public comment is allowed at the start of the meeting. 21 minutes total allowed with three minutes allotted to each speaker (see website for details). Speakers may address only matters on the agenda or matters city council has jurisdiction over. Speakers must sign up in advance.
- Jonesboro -- Public comment is allowed at the start of the meeting. There is no total time limit; three minutes allotted to each speaker (see website for details). No limits on what speakers may address. Speakers must sign up in advance.
- Lake City -- Public comment is allowed at the end of the meeting. There is no total time limit; no time limits for each speaker (see website for details). No limits on what speakers may address, but comments that are abusive or disrupted will be ended. Speakers not required to sign up in advance.
- Lovejoy -- Public comment is allowed toward the end of the meeting. Time limit at discretion of presiding officer; five minutes allotted to each speaker (see website for details). No limits on what speakers may address. Speakers must sign up in advance, but presiding officer can decide if comments are allowed from those who aren't signed up.
- Morrow -- Public comment is allowed at the start of the meeting. 30 minutes total allowed with three minutes allotted to each speaker (see website for details). Speakers may address only new business on that day's agenda. Speakers must fill out a comment card.
- Riverdale -- Public comment is allowed at the start of the meeting. 15 minutes total allowed with three minutes allotted to each speaker (see website for details). Speakers may address only matters on the agenda. Speakers must fill out a comment card.