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Public Engagement Guidelines for Madison County Public Meetings, Public Work Sessions, and/or Public Hearings.

The Madison County Fiscal Court has taken an important step towards enhancing public participation in local government meetings by approving Resolution 2024-94. This resolution establishes clear guidelines for public engagement during public meetings, work sessions, and hearings.

Background on the Open Meetings Act

In 1974, the Kentucky General Assembly enacted the Open Meetings Act, which ensures that the public has the right to attend government meetings. However, it does not mandate public comments or participation during these meetings. To facilitate public engagement, each agency, including the Madison County Fiscal Court, is responsible for creating its own rules, as long as they comply with the Open Meetings Act. Madison County Fiscal Court will allow public comment under the following guidelines. 

Guidelines: Public Comments

Every regularly scheduled Fiscal Court meeting includes a time for public comments, lasting up to 20 minutes. Here’s how it works:

  • Sign In: Residents who wish to speak must sign in at the public comment table by 9:45 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
  • Topics: When signing in, specify the topic or agenda item you want to discuss.
  • Materials: If you want to distribute materials, place them in the tray labeled “Materials for Fiscal Court.” Staff will handle distribution. Note that USB devices or other digital media are not accepted.

Each speaker gets three minutes to share their thoughts. When it’s your turn, please state your first and last name and address. Speakers will be called in the order they signed in. The presiding officer may group speakers with similar topics. If you wish to yield your time to someone else, that’s allowed, but the total speaking time cannot exceed six minutes.

Respectful Conduct

Everyone is expected to be courteous during meetings. Please avoid:

  • Derogatory or abusive language
  • Personal attacks or threats
  • Disruptive behavior, like clapping, cheering, or booing

Consequences for Disruptions

If these guidelines aren’t followed, you may lose the privilege to speak during that meeting and could be removed at the discretion of the presiding officer.

Submitting Comments

If you can’t attend a meeting but want to share your thoughts, you can email comments@madisoncountyky.gov or call the Judge Executive’s Office at 859-624-4700, option 3.

Commitment to Transparency

These guidelines show the Fiscal Court’s commitment to transparency and community involvement. They provide a structured way for residents to share their opinions, fostering better communication and collaboration.

The Fiscal Court encourages all residents to participate in meetings and share their views. Together, we can make Madison County a better place for everyone!