With statewide mandates relaxing COVID-19 safety measures, Hutto City Council brought up the topic of public comment formats during its July 1 meeting.

When social distancing and limited-capacity measures were in place, public comments could be made in person, over the phone or through an email message. Mayor Mike Snyder and Mayor Pro Tem Tanner Rose spoke in favor of in-person-only comments with the option to have someone speak on someone else’s behalf if they are not able to attend.

Those with disabilities, translators speaking on behalf of someone who speaks a different language, or who are unable to attend due to a disability will continue to be allowed twice the regular three-minute time to speak, City Attorney Dottie Palumbo said.

Citizens will continue to be able to speak on specific agenda items, not just during the designated public comment time.

"I think we've been really kind and very open about opening up public comment as much as we can," Rose said.

The elimination of comments by email and phone call would also apply to public comment on boards, commissions and task forces. Council members will consider action to revise the format during its July 15 meeting.