October 26, 2026
BATH, NY – This morning the Steuben County Legislature’s Administration Committee voted yes to a new rule about the public comment part of county legislative meetings. If passed, there will be two public comment periods in the full county meetings: one at the beginning, which is limited to agenda items and a public comment period at the end of the meeting, for off-topic issues. The Steuben County Administration Committee voted for this new rule, unanimously.
According to Steuben County Legislative Chair Kelly Fitzpatrick, this is happening because of redundant speeches from people who talk about things like ICE and President Trump. Fitzpatrick also says, the lengthy public comments about ICE and the president make county meetings drag on much longer than they need to be.
Now the new proposed rule goes to the full Steuben County Legislature for a vote. If the county legislature passes this rule, it will also make it so those who want to make public comment, will speak at the end of the meetings, not at the beginning.
