As always, we strive to bring information to the taxpaying citizens and public of our great county. Today we are having conversations around participation and accessibility to the bimonthly Commissioner's meeting at the county offices. The commissioners meet every 1st and 3rd Monday at 8AM in the county building. After several discussions, the thought is that participation by the general public is highly unlikely at the current day and time. Obviously this is working hours for the vast majority of people and we feel the day and time for this meeting should be moved to a weeknight time of 6PM or 7PM. Its critical that the public have the opportunity to hear and comment on the proposals and ideas that are being presented at these meetings. The meetings have had great discussions and interactions in the past several months as we participate, and we are wanting that same opportunity for all Cheyenne county residents. One of the great additions is the installation of a temporary sound system making it much easier to hear and participate in the meetings. We thank Tom Payne in the building and grounds department for his hard work on this project.
We need your Voice to sound off about a time an day of the week that may work for many people. Its obvious that we can't capture everyone, but 8am on a Monday morning we are pretty sure works for virtually no one other than county officials. The public's participation and feedback helps to bring accountability in fiscal policy, as well as, discussions and solutions around critically important topics within the county. Large participation creates great community ideas and drives results.
We also like the idea of town halls on a monthly or quarterly schedule that allows for in depth discussions on specific topics. An open invitation to the commissioners would be extended and their participation encouraged. We have spoke to commissioner Sanders several times and he has been very helpful and receptive to ideas and discussions. We encourage you to drop a quick email or call expressing a time and date for the bimonthly meetings. Write or call, express your thoughts in a courteous manner.
Darrell J. Johnson
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308-254-3526
Randal D. Miller
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308-254-3985
Philip E. Sanders
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308-879-4337
Here are some parts of the open meeting law, as well as, a link to the full law for you to review.
84-1412. Meetings of public body; rights of public; public body; powers and duties.
(c) Reasonable arrangements are made to accommodate the public's right to attend, hear, and speak at the meeting, including making virtual conferencing available at an instate location to members, the public, or the press, if requested twenty-four hours in advance;
(4) No public body shall, for the purpose of circumventing the Open Meetings Act, hold a meeting in a place known by the body to be too small to accommodate the anticipated audience.
https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/display_html.php?begin_section=84-1407&end_section=84-1414