BOC ends remote participation in public hearing, public comment periods

FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — County Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to discontinue allowing citizens to comment remotely during Board of Commissioners, Planning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals public hearings and public comment periods effective Aug. 1.

The practice began during the Pandemic when attendance at meetings was very limited and has continued. However, there is no state law that requires remote participation and very few people have utilized the opportunity.

County Manager Kevin Tanner made it clear that this decision does not change the ability of the public to watch the meetings on the county’s website. “That is still available. This only pertains to the public’s ability to comment online,” he said.

Commissioner Cindy Mills said, “I think if it’s something you care enough about, you will come to the meeting.”