A meeting to hear from the public about proposed electric franchise fees began simply enough, with a letter from Chairman Chris Dougherty, who was not present because of a prior work commitment — something a few people vocally took exception to. Comments proceeded for the better part of an hour. While occasionally spicy, they were civil enough. What they all had in common was opposition to any new fees or taxes.
Just as things were wrapping up and commissioners were offering their final comments, things took a turn. Commissioners took exception to each other’s comments, the clerk of courts strongly countered the assertion that he was responsible for creating the board’s budget, and the public hadn’t had enough either, continuing to question commissioners and make comments from their seated or standing positions in the room. Sheriff Gordon Smith even delivered a short sermon chastising commissioners and the union representing fire rescue employees.
Listen below to the entire meeting.
