Shasta County Board of Supervisors Updates Public Comment Rules at Meetings
- Kari Chilson
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
The Shasta County Board of Supervisors has introduced new guidelines for public participation following recent policy changes. During its June 23, 2026, meeting, the Board approved updates to Administrative Policy 1-101, which took effect on July 1, 2026, in alignment with California Senate Bill 707.
The revisions aim to standardize and streamline public input while expanding access options for county residents.
Key Changes to Public Participation
Participation Options: Members of the public may now comment in person or by telephone during Board of Supervisors meetings. Note that other agencies on which the Board sits continue to accept public comments only in person and do not offer telephonic participation.
Speaking Time per Speaker: Each individual speaker receives two minutes of speaking time per agenda item.
Time Limits for Public Comment:
Regular Calendar items (except Scheduled Hearings) and any Consent Calendar items pulled for separate discussion are limited to a total of 20 minutes of public comment.
The general Public Comment Period (Open Time) is capped at 30 minutes total.
Timing Mechanism: A running clock starts when the first speaker on each item begins. If a speaker starts with less than two minutes remaining on the overall timer, they will still receive their full allotted two minutes.
The Board Chair retains the authority to adjust the total public comment time for each item or speaker as needed to facilitate meeting flow.
Registration Process
Speaker registration for Board meetings opens at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting (for a 9 am meeting). Registration closes for each item once public comment on that item begins. This system helps the Board manage time efficiently while ensuring orderly participation. To speak virtually, you must complete an online registration process. Find more information here: https://comment.shastacounty.gov/#welcome
On the Day of the Meeting (as stated by the county website)
In Person:
When your name is called, approach the lectern to provide your comments. Stay on topic and adhere to the allotted speaking time.
By Phone:
If you selected the phone option during registration, you will receive a call near the start of the public comment period. If you did not request a call or get disconnected, dial 530-999-9411 to join the meeting.
Where to Find More Information
Full Administrative Policies, including the updated 1-101: Shasta County Clerk-Board Administrative Policies
Current Board agendas, minutes, and videos: Board Agendas, Minutes & Videos
These changes are said to reflect a balance between encouraging public engagement—especially through the new telephonic option—and maintaining efficient meeting proceedings. Residents interested in addressing the Board are encouraged to review the agenda in advance and prepare remarks accordingly, keeping within the two-minute limit per item.
The changes have been met with harsh criticism by all sides of the political spectrum. The Shasta County press/media has also indicated that the changes do not lend sufficient time and weight to the public, who provide their consent to the Board of Supervisors to govern.
For the latest Tuesday Board agenda and to plan participation, visit the county’s official Board page. As always, attending or calling in early is recommended, given the first-come, first-served nature of public comment slots.
