The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners serves as the governing body for Lancaster County. The County Board is charged with various legislative and administrative duties, including the management of county funds, maintenance of county property, adoption of the county budget, setting of tax levies and salaries of elected and appointed county officials, and the administration of various programs established by state law.

1. PUBLIC COMMENT
   1. Regular Tuesday Meeting

      The regular meeting of the County Board is held each Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., in the County-City Building. Meetings of the County Board are open to the public. Comments from members of the public are welcome, and may be given during the public comment period which shall be scheduled on the agenda of each Tuesday meeting. For the purpose of providing for the orderly conduct of meetings, individuals or organizations who wish to express their opinions at County Board meetings during the public comment period are asked to adhere to the following guidelines:

      1. Any person wishing to address the Board should write their name and address on the sign-up sheet. Speakers will be taken in the order in which they sign up.
      2. All speakers should begin their remarks by stating their first and last names and spelling their last name.
      3. Comments should relate only to items on the agenda of the meeting.
      4. The public comment period is limited to thirty minutes (30) in duration and each speaker is limited to five (5) minutes. These time limits may be extended at the discretion of the County Board Chair.

      Public comments will also be taken from individuals or organizations, or their attorney, which have claims, applications, or other items of business on the agenda. These comments will be taken at the time the County Board considers the particular agenda item relating to these individuals or organizations.

   2. Thursday Staff Meeting

      The County Board holds a staff meeting each Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the County-City Building. Staff meetings are also open to the public. Any person wishing to make comments at staff meetings may do so during the public comment period which will be scheduled on the agenda of each Thursday meeting. Comments will be limited to five (5) minutes and should relate only to items on the agenda for the meeting. The five (5) minute time limit may be extended at the discretion of the Board Chair.

   3. AGENDAS

      Agendas and supporting documentation for County Board meetings are public records and are kept on file in the Lancaster County Clerk's Office. Information regarding agendas may be obtained by calling the Clerk's Office at 441-7481, or by coming in person to the Clerk's Office on days County Offices are open, from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

   4. PUBLIC HEARINGS

      Public hearings are conducted by the County Board when required by law or when a public hearing will assist the County Board in the formation of sound public policy or the efficient administration of county government. Most public hearings held by the County Board are conducted during the Tuesday meetings. Items for which a public hearing will be conducted are set forth on the agenda under the public hearing section. Members of the public may give testimony to the County Board during a public hearing.

      The order of testimony shall be as follows:

      1. Applicant (if any);
      2. Proponents of the proposed action;
      3. Opponents of the proposed action;
      4. Testimony in a neutral capacity, including comments from staff members or individuals seeking information about the proposed action;
      5. Rebuttal by the applicant (if applicable).

      Each person offering testimony at a public hearing will be asked to write their name and address on a sign-up sheet, and also indicate whether they are testifying on behalf of a group or organization. The testimony of each person will be limited to five minutes. This time limit can be extended at the discretion of the County Board Chair. Large groups in attendance which are supporting the same position with regard to the subject of a public hearing should choose one or two spokespersons to present the group's testimony. The spokesperson may have the group stand to give the County Board an idea of the number of persons sharing similar viewpoints. If possible, individuals should avoid giving repetitive or irrelevant testimony.

      An interpreter for the hearing impaired will be available at the meeting upon request. Please contact the County Clerk's Office at 441-7481 and ask for Susan Starcher or Dan Nolte at least 48 hours prior to the meeting if this accommodation is required, or if you have any other special communication needs requiring assistance.

Board of Commissioners