FLORENCE — The public may soon have more chances to make comments at the Lauderdale County Commission meeting.

During Tuesday's work session, commissioners discussed the possibility of amending its meeting procedure to allow for two public comment sessions. Currently, the commission has one public comment period at the end of the meeting.

Commission Chairman Dewey Mitchell suggested making changes to allow for public comment at the beginning of the meeting to allow for public discussion on agenda items.

"This would just pertain to agenda items and then we would still have a general public comment period as we do now, at the end of the meeting," Mitchell said.

County attorney Chris Smith said the proposal would streamline the procedure and "let the public, if they have a concern with a particular agenda item, address that prior to the commission voting on the item."

Smith said the agenda is available to the public prior to the meetings.

County Administrator Brenda Bryant said agendas are available at the commission office and added she can also start posting them on the county's website.

"I don't have a problem with this as long as the public has a chance to see the agenda so they can see if there is something they want to discuss," Commissioner Fay Parker said.

Commissioner Larry Irons said the proposal is similar to the procedure Florence uses at its council meetings.

"The intent is to maximize the public comment for the meetings," Smith said.

The commission authorized Smith to develop a resolution for review at Monday's meeting.

Smith said if the proposal is approved Monday, the changes would go into effect at the Feb. 25 meeting.

Tom Smith can be reached at 256-740-5757 or tom.smith@TimesDaily.com.