Warminster Supervisors Reconsider Public-Comment Rule (ICYMI)

WARMINSTER, PA — Warminster's new board of supervisors didn't waste much time reversing a policy that would have changed how residents are allowed to speak up during board meetings.

Last week, at the new board's first meeting, supervisors approved a new meeting policy that allowed for public comments at the beginning and end of each meeting. Before, attendees had been allowed to comment publicly on every agenda item as it came up.

"The revised policy was designed to streamline the meeting and efficiently dispense the township's business," board Chairman Ken Hayes said in a written statement. "It was never our intention to do anything that would prevent the public from expressing their views."

But the change didn't sit well with some Warminster residents.

In the Warminster Patch's neighbor posts section, one resident who attended the meeting called the change "the muzzling of the public."

The board, which now has a Democratic majority after November's elections, heard the concerns.

"After discussing the matter with fellow board members and residents, we believe it is best to return to the previous policy and allow comment on each agenda item subject to a reasonable time limit," Hayes said. "Per our request, the township manager will put this on the agenda for our next meeting.

"Public input is an important part of the supervisor's decision making process and we welcome the thoughts of all residents."

The issue arose as supervisors are reconsidering the township's 2020 budget. After the previous board approved a budget that would have sold off the township's water and sewer systems to private companies, the new board is considering a plan that keeps the utilities and raises property taxes.