Wake County Board of Commissioners
Meeting Procedures
The Board meets on the first and third Mondays of each month (unless changed for holidays or other reasons) in the Wake County Courthouse, Room 700, 7th floor. The meetings begin at 2 p.m., with public comments at 3 p.m. A 30-minute sign-up period precedes each public comment period.
Following the call to order by the Chair, one of the Commissioners will lead the invocation. The Chair then will make announcements of a general nature, call for approval of minutes of previous meetings, or make presentations as appropriate.
A business meeting of administrative and other routine agenda items is conducted early in the meeting. During this period, the Board may hold any required public hearings on rezonings or other proposals, if time allows. During the public comment period, those who have signed up will be called upon to speak. Anyone who does not sign up but wishes to address the Board may be given the opportunity if a request is made during the comment period. Following the citizen comment period, the Board conducts any remaining business.
Public hearings are advertised in advance. In order to appear and be heard on a public hearing matter before the Commissioners, you should raise your hand and be recognized when the Chair introduces the item. (This portion of the meeting is separate from public comments.) When recognized, you should come to the lectern, give your name and address, and make your statement. The Commissioners wish to hear any and all persons who come to speak during the public hearing, but as a courtesy to others who may wish to speak, they ask that you be as brief as possible. If you have come as a member of a group, you may wish to select a representative to present the points you feel are important.
Once all individuals have been heard, the public hearing(s) will be closed by the Chair, who will call for discussion by the Board. The Commissioners may or may not vote on a matter immediately after a public hearing.
Reports from the County Manager and County Attorney will be presented under "Other Business." In addition, any items that were not available prior to the preparation of the agenda and require action may be heard at that time, provided that the Board has approved the addition of the items to the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.
Special headsets with adjustable volume controls are available on the front row of audience seats in the Chamber.