There comes a point during Pasco County Commission meetings when formal votes are put on hold while various groups and individuals receive recognition through resolutions.
Typically, a somewhat lengthy resolution is read, commissioners offer their remarks, and the person being honored or a member of the group says a few words.
Then, there’s a customary photo with the commissioners.
Resolutions run the gamut.
Sometimes a long-term employee is retiring.
Other times, someone is being honored for his or her contributions to the community.
Sometimes, the resolution celebrates the success of a particular group or person.
And then, there are resolutions to put the focus on important issues, such as cancer prevention, or combating human trafficking or raising awareness about domestic violence.
All in all, that portion of the meeting can sometimes drag on.
Commissioners have been discussing the issue off and on, and at their July 9 meeting they agreed there’s a need for change.
Commissioner Kathryn Starkey suggested: “Why don’t we move resolutions to 10 (a.m.)?”
That would shift the resolutions to the front of the meeting, before board business gets under way.
She also suggested limiting the number of resolutions that each commissioner brings forward.
“Shall we try one per commissioner?” Starkey asked.
“I’m in,” Commissioner Mike Moore said.
But just because commissioners can bring resolutions forward, doesn’t mean they should feel compelled to do so, Moore said.
The commissioner especially wants to avoid honoring the same groups or causes year after year.
“We’re so repetitive. There should be no repetition whatsoever,” Moore said.
Commissioner Mike Wells agreed to the need for change.
“It loses meaning when we do so many,” Wells said.
He suggested approving some resolutions by title only, with commissioners delivering the resolutions to the groups or individuals within their specific district.
“They love when you go out to their place and you present, with their folks,” Wells said.
Something needs to be done because the resolutions are holding up other business, Starkey said.
After all, she noted, “there have been times when we’ve spent an hour and a half (on resolutions),” Starkey said.
County Administrator Dan Biles took his cue from the board and said he will work to have the new approach implemented in August.
Published July 17, 2019
