Board approves new public comment rules; keeps comments at start of meeting

At the June 23, 2026, meeting, the Branson Board of Aldermen (Board) gave unanimous approval to Bill 6681, which governs how the Board receives public input during its meetings. For those that want a summary, this Bill, as passed on its First Reading, establishes the definition of “Eligible Commenter,” permits only “Eligible Commenters” to Speak during the Public Comment and Regular Agenda portions of the meeting, kept the Public Comments section of the meeting at the beginning of the meeting, prohibits the discussion of Regular Agenda Items during Public Comment, and eliminated the oath requirement in the Bill as originally proposed.

The ordinance limits who is allowed to speak during the Public Comment and Regular Agenda sections of the meeting to a person who meets the Bill’s definition of an “Eligible Commenter.” To be considered an “Eligible Commenter,” an individual must meet at least one of the following: be a resident of Taney or Stone County, be a representative of a business or real property located within the Branson city limits, or be “employed” within the Branson city limits. The ordinance defines “employed” as someone who physically works within the city for at least 20 hours a week, has been in that role for at least 30 continuous days, and receives regular W-2 compensation. Independent contractors, remote workers living outside city limits, and temporary workers are specifically excluded from this definition. 

The Public Comment section of the meeting remains at the beginning, where it has been for decades. The ordinance, as initially presented at the meeting, moved the Public Comment section to the end of the meeting. After receiving and considering public input and other information, the Board amended the final ordinance to leave the Public Comments at the beginning of the meeting. 

Speakers for the Public Comment Section must be Eligible Commenters, sign up in person before the start of the meeting, provide their name, and specify the specific topic they plan to discuss. The purpose of their comment must relate to matters within the Board’s jurisdiction or authority and may not pertain to an item on the Regular Agenda for the meeting. Eligible Commenters will have the opportunity to speak on Regular Agenda items when they come up for discussion before the Board during the meeting. Speakers during the Public Comment section generally have a total of five minutes to make their comments. However, if 10 or more eligible commenters sign up to speak at a meeting, the time limit is automatically reduced to three minutes per person.

During the public discussion on this ordinance, there was no discussion as to the establishment of an Eligible Commenter, prohibiting the discussion of Regular Agenda items during the Public Comment section, or the removal of the oath. The primary emphasis of public discussion on this Bill was the move of the public comment section to the end of the meeting. Alderman Alex Williams had originally proposed the change, responded to the public input, and spearheaded the effort to reverse it in the final ordinance.

The ordinance also updates the City Clerk’s duties regarding meeting minutes. The clerk’s journal will only record the names and topics of the individuals who speak during Public Comment. It explicitly states that there will be no written record or transcript of the actual comments made by the public, the Board, or city staff during the Public Comment section of the meeting, unless an official specifically requests it.

The ordinance passed on its First Reading and will become final upon its Second Reading at the Board’s next meeting on July 14, 2026, upon approval of the Consent Agenda, unless it is removed from the Consent Agenda and changed.