What Missoula County wants from public comment before votes

Missoula, Mont. — Missoula County said it wanted detailed feedback from residents on issues outside city limits before commissioners vote on items.

Officials said people can send comments online, by email, by phone or in person. The county said the strongest feedback explains how a project affects a family, property, road or neighborhood instead of only supporting or opposing it.

Residents can review active projects and submit comments on Missoula County Voice. County staff then compiled those comments and presented them to county commissioners.

“I think specifics is really helpful. People have feelings and we want to hear what those feelings are, too. But ‘I don’t like this’ isn’t as helpful as ‘these are the reasons why this impacts my family or my life,’” said Anne Hughes, chief operating officer for Missoula County.

Hughes explained that public comment does not automatically give commissioners the authority to do everything people ask for. She said detailed information can be more useful to decision-makers than a simple yes or no.

“It’s invaluable. Public comment is critical. Public comment means that people are paying attention. Local government is the government that is closest to the citizens. And so that means that we hold ourselves to a high, high standard. And how we’re engaging with folks and hearing back from them is all part of that process,” said Hughes.

Hughes said public comment periods were posted on Missoula County Voice. She said comments needed to be submitted before a vote if residents wanted to help shape the decision.