Subject:
Title
Consider Revisions to BCC-95 Citizens Efficiency and Effectiveness Recommendations (CEER) Policy, also known as the Speak Up Brevard Program
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Fiscal Impact:
NA
Dept/Office:
District 1
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners adopt the proposed revisions to BCC-95, the county’s charter program to consider citizen recommendations to the board.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The Speak Up Brevard program, formally established by the 2010 Brevard County Charter Review Commission and approved by voter referendum, provides an important avenue for Brevard County residents to offer formal recommendations to improve government efficiency and effectiveness. The program encourages community engagement by allowing individuals and groups to submit ideas directly to the Board of County Commissioners, fostering transparency and public participation.
While the commission has fulfilled the basics of its charter mandate over the years, the program has not yet realized its full potential and has received considerable public input indicating the need for improvements. The current proposed policy revisions introduce process enhancements designed to better inform the Commissioners, streamline staff review, increase direct public engagement, and improve the timeliness of Board consideration.
Key Proposed BCC-95 Policy Changes Include:
• Expanded Submission Period:
The filing period is clearly established as December 1 through January 31 each year. This timing better aligns with community availability and engagement cycles, offering residents a defined window to organize and submit proposals.
• Annual Board Workshop to Hear from Citizen Submitters:
Following the submission period, an annual workshop will be held for the Board of County Commissioners to hear directly from the citizens who submitted recommendations. This forum allows Commissioners to engage with submitters, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of the proposals firsthand. While County staff may attend to provide support, the primary purpose of the workshop is to assist the Commissioners in formulating their thoughts and preparing for deliberations and their final vote by listening directly to those who have taken the time to participate. This enhancement promotes greater transparency and direct public engagement, while also helping staff identify which proposals and questions are most relevant to the Commissioners.
• Expedited Internal Staff Review Time:
The County Manager’s Office evaluation deadline is shortened from 90 days to 60 days, streamlining county staff time and allowing additional time for commissioner review and to meet with interested constituents. This change ensures more effective time usage and maintains compliance with the Charter’s 120-day Board action requirement.
• Dedicated Board of Commissioner Meeting for Final Action:
Final public hearings and Board votes on Speak Up Brevard recommendations will be held during a special Board meeting, rather than as part of a regular meeting agenda. This dedicated session increases transparency, fosters public awareness, and reinforces the importance of citizen-led proposals by providing focused attention from Commissioners and the community.
The policy also includes a revision to limit the County Manager’s authority to summarily reject submissions, ensuring that all recommendations are considered by the Board and the applicable department, while still considering the County Manager’s recommendations to reject. This change is designed to support the program’s original intent of openness without delaying or complicating the process.
Together, these updates will improve the Speak Up Brevard program’s effectiveness and accessibility, demonstrating the County’s commitment to meaningful citizen participation and good governance.
Clerk to the Board Instructions: