SANDPOINT — Bonner County commissioners voted Tuesday to approve a new list of standing rules regarding how business meetings will be conducted.

This decision, Commissioner Luke Omodt said, was made following continued harassment of multiple county officials both during and outside the meetings.

“The employees of Bonner County are invaluable to our organization,” he said. “For months, our employees have been subjected to abuse, misstatements and lies about their character, service and conduct at the weekly business meetings. Not any more.”

Ten rules were introduced by Omodt regarding agenda items, public comments and other meeting conduct. First, all items to be placed on the meeting agenda will follow the BOCC meeting agenda submission procedures.

Second, the chairman, currently Omodt, will preside over the meeting and will conduct meetings according to state statutes, county ordinances and the county’s standing rules. The chair is responsible for enforcing the rules and designating who can speak at any time during the meeting. The sergeant at arms will also assist with enforcing the rules should the meeting get out of hand.

Third, all remarks will be addressed to the chairman, including all questions from the other commissioners, elected officials and their deputies, employees and members of the public.

“[Fourth,] there will be no debate on discussion items or motions without a second,” Omodt wrote in his official statement. “[Fifth,] debate on all motions will be limited to twice per speaker and five minutes per time. Debate can be extended or limited by a majority vote of the BOCC.”

Next, all remarks will be confined to the merits of the pending question — or motion — and remarks must be directly relevant to the motion on the floor. Additionally, when a question or motion is pending, the proposed motion — not the member who introduced it — is to be the subject of debate. Personal or ad hominem attacks will be considered out of order.

“Under no circumstances will attacks against a member or their motivation be considered appropriate,” Omodt said. “Debate against or for the question [or] motion must be confined to the merits of the motion.”

Omodt said any ruling of the chair can be appealed and overturned with a majority vote. The National Association of Counties’ “The Right Way to Run a Meeting Guide” is the reference for meeting norms, he added.

“[Lastly,] these rules are not and cannot be the totality of all BOCC activity,” the chairman said. “Federal law, state law and relevant county ordinances may also be applicable to BOCC matters.”

Omodt said these new rules for the meetings will be strictly enforced to protect the county employees. The motion passed 2-1, with Commissioner Asia Williams voting no.

“In the words of President Grant who first made Christmas a federal holiday, ‘Let us have peace,’” Omodt said. “The board of county commissioners welcomes and wishes all residents and visitors to Bonner County — Merry Christmas and happy holidays.”