The County Commission on Wednesday voted to allow audience input at its voting meetings despite a warning that it will lead to long meetings.
Commissioner Greg Beck said, "We are opening the door on a lot of grandstanding. I am for progressive change, but this is going to take us back in the other direction. I wouldn't dig a hole for us like that."
He said the morning commission meetings "have the potential to go to four o'clock in the evening."
The measure passed with Commissioner Beck passing and Commissioner Warren Mackey opposed.
It allows public discussion of up to 10 minutes for and up to 10 minutes against on items after there is a motion to approve them and a second.
Commissioner Beck said the panel had always allowed ample discussion of items at the agenda meeting that is held a week before the voting session.
Commissioner Mackey said he feared the commission would be hearing "emotion as opposed to fact."