There are 46 counties in SC. 

We researched them all and found that 37 of them allow same-day sign-up for citizens to speak at regular County Council meetings. 

SALUDA REQUIRES 10-DAY advance registration!

The Saluda County Republican Party supports the fullest possible citizen engagement in government at every level.  The current policy of the Saluda County Council, requires a 10-day advance registration to speak at a regular council meeting. This makes such engagement unnecessarily difficult, and deprives citizens of the opportunity to see the meeting agenda before deciding to speak before the Council Members who are supposed to be serving them.

The people of Saluda County deserve better!

To this end, on September 22, 2025, the Executive Committee of the Saluda County Republican Party, with only one vote in opposition, passed this petition for same-day signup. We trust our Council will show due respect to our citizens by adopting this policy.

Please show your support for this petition by signing it before October 10, so it can be presented to the Saluda County Council at their October Regular Meeting!

Petition for same-day sign up to speak before regular Saluda County Council Meetings

We, The Saluda County Republican Party and the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Saluda County, respectfully petition the Saluda County Council to adopt a same-day sign-up period for public comments at all regular Council meetings.

Current Policy

At present, Saluda County requires citizens who wish to speak before Council at a regular meeting to provide ten (10) days’ advance notice.  Since the meeting agenda is usually published only 24-48 hours in advance, current policy deprives a citizen of knowing what business will be transacted by Council so that they may speak on it in a timely manner.  As a result, public discussion is limited and often discouraged by the advance notice requirement.

The proposed policy would not affect current procedures for Public Hearings.

Purpose

We believe that public participation and transparency are essential to good governance. Providing consistent opportunities for citizens to voice concerns, ask questions, and share input will strengthen civic engagement and ensure a more responsive local government. A regular and predictable public comment period will give residents a fair and accessible way to communicate with their elected representatives.

Proposal

We urge the Saluda County Council to adopt a policy with the following provisions:

Agenda Items: At the beginning of every regular County Council meeting, a public comment period of fifteen (15) minutes shall be provided for citizens to speak specifically on items listed on the meeting agenda.

Non-Agenda Items: At the conclusion of every regular County Council meeting, but before any Executive Session, a second public comment period of fifteen (15) minutes shall be provided for citizens to address the Council on matters not included on the current agenda.

Time Limit: Each speaker shall be allotted up to four (4) minutes.

Sign-Up Requirement: Citizens wishing to speak shall sign up prior to the start of the meeting.

Sign Up Sheet:  Must be available at 5:30 in the foyer.

Order of Speaking: Speakers will be recognized in the order in which they signed up.

Council Response: Council members shall review all citizen comments and provide responses, as appropriate, at the next regular Council meeting.
 

Effective Date

This policy shall take effect immediately upon adoption by the Saluda County Council, replacing the current requirement of a ten (10) day advance notice to speak.

By signing this petition, we affirm our support for establishing these public comment periods as a vital step toward greater openness, transparency, and accountability in Saluda County government.