Flathead County Planning Board looks to change public comment procedure
HANNAH SHIELDS | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 months, 1 week AGO
RURAL GOVERNMENT REPORTER, REPORT FOR AMERICA Hannah Shields covers rural government and accountability reporting for the Daily Inter Lake and Northwest Montana weekly papers as part of the national Report for America program. Her reporting focuses on transparency, public spending and the impact of local government decisions on small communities. Shields has covered issues ranging from school district finances to development disputes and rural infrastructure projects. She regularly uses public records and investigative reporting to examine institutions that affect local residents. Her work helps bring greater oversight and visibility to rural government across Northwest Montana. IMPACT: Hannah’s work strengthens transparency and accountability in rural communities that often lack consistent watchdog coverage. | August 12, 2026 12:00 AM
The Flathead County Planning Board will decide whether to discontinue the practice of pooling speaking time during public hearings on Wednesday.
The board meets at 6 p.m. in the second-floor conference room in the South Campus Building at 40 11th St. W. in Kalispell.
Members of the public get 3 minutes to speak during the planning board public hearings. However, a person may choose to gift their 3 minutes to a friend, giving that person 6 minutes of floor time. This process is known as “pooling comments.”
Planning Board Chair Jeff Larsen said this practice has created confusion and stress on staff and takes time from other commenters.
“It’s kind of problematic,” Larsen said.
He asked the attorney for the Montana Association of Counties about this during the board’s annual training session last month. At the training, county planning board members across Montana review legal guidelines for running meetings, public participation and lawful compliance.
The attorney said Flathead County is the only entity that allows the public to pool their comments before a hearing, according to Larsen. He added it to the Aug. 12 meeting agenda, and board members are expected to hold a vote.
Before the discussion, board members will review a proposal to subdivide a 9.83-acre property near Columbia Falls into two residential lots. The property is located on Windfield Lane, off Columbia Falls Stage Lane.
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