Hamilton County Commission votes to change meeting times to evenings on trial basis
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Hamilton County Commission has seen a series of controversial votes pass through their chambers this year.
This has prompted many citizens to show up to voice their opinions on these topics, a process they say made cumbersome by when these meetings were held.
For decades, the Hamilton County Commission here at the courthouse have been held on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m.
However, we are soon to see a change to that, something many residents like Noah Johnston are say they are glad to see.
Johnston said, “The time constraint made it difficult to always show up and give my opinions.”
The Commission unanimously approved a resolution today to move their meetings to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays as part of a trial run for the months of November and December.
The proposal came together following complaints from the public that the morning meeting time was inconvenient.
Resident Michaela Winter said, “I think it’s a great step forward for our county. A better step would be to make it permanent.”
The change could cost the county up to nearly $50,000 to pay overtime for courthouse staff.
The courthouse is normally open from 8-4 on business days.
However, the resolution’s sponsor, Commissioner Jeff Eversole, believes there are ways to lower that cost following a committee meeting.
He said, “The other groups talked about maybe flexing some time. Instead of having people come into work at 8 a.m., maybe they come into work at 10 a.m. and stay at work until 6 p.m. I think the cost is still going to be in the $25,000-$30,000 range.”
While approval of the change was unanimous, some commissioners like Warren Mackey wondered what exactly will be the mode of measuring success for this trial run.
Commissioner Mackey said, “We’re looking for efficiencies, and I’ve heard some people up here say they’re concerned about each and every tax dollar spent. If they’re serious, then I would look for some measures to see if it’s worth it.”
Supporters say measures are a work in progress.
Commissioner Eversole said, “You’ve said you wanted us to do this, now we need you to come participate.”
Residents say they look forward to the opportunity to increase participation.
Johnston said, “That past experience of not being able to be heard drew my attention to this particular resolution and interested me in showing up today to make sure that it passes so that in the future I have a better chance of being heard as a citizen of this county.”
The change will go into effect beginning in November at that month’s first meeting on November 5.
