The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners will experiment with a new meeting schedule next year.
Currently, the board meets on Thursdays at 2 p.m. – a time that prevents many working people from attending. This week, the commission was presented with an option to add quarterly 6 p.m. meetings to next year’s calendar. Commissioner Dan Besse pitched a new idea though – making those evening meetings monthly, instead of quarterly.
“What my suggested substitute motion tries to accomplish is to expand the participation in those meetings that are most meaningful to more citizens," Besse said.
The commission voted down that motion. Board Chairman Don Martin said he was skeptical that changing the meeting times would actually lead to more constructive public feedback.
“The most meaningful communication I've gotten is when someone sent me a thoughtful email that pointed out a lot of their concerns, as well as why this would fit their lives," he said. "In a three-minute presentation here at the commission, there are a few people who have been very effective in three minutes to communicate something, but generally speaking, I'd much rather read that.”
Ultimately, the board approved a compromise plan for a three-month trial period. It includes one quarterly 6 p.m. meeting on March 13. And instead of meeting weekly on Thursdays, they'll now meet every other week on Mondays and Thursdays at 2 p.m. The board will reassess the schedule after the trial period ends.