SHAWANO, WI- Shawano County Board Chairman Tom Kautza says county leaders need to restore order to public meetings and prevent unnecessary conflict from disrupting board business.
During Wednesday’s Executive Committee meeting, Kautza expressed frustration over what he described as increasing “drama” surrounding county government and public comments.
“It’s not going to be acceptable. It’s not going to happen,” Kautza said, emphasizing that while he supports public participation, meetings need to remain focused on official business.
Kautza said public comment should be tied to items on the meeting agenda and residents should work through their elected county supervisors when raising concerns.
Kautza addressing the what happened at the last County Board meeting.
“People are supposed to go to their supervisor, and that’s their representative on the board,” he said. “I’m not against people speaking, but I’m against that kind of crap. That’s not right. There’s enough drama in the courthouse as there is. We don’t need any more, and we don’t need it at the board level either.”
While advocating for limits, Kautza said he still believes the public deserves an opportunity to address the board.
“I still think the public should be allowed to talk within reason,” he said, noting that speakers discussing legitimate agenda items have been allowed to continue beyond the typical time limit.
Kautza also clarified that the Executive Committee meeting did not include a public comment period because it was a committee meeting, adding that Wisconsin law does not require county board meetings to include public comment.
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