The City Council of Yuma typically allows the public to speak on issues that concern them at the beginning of meetings, but have considered permanently moving this period of the conference to the end.

Several council members believe this will help speed up meetings, because those who sign up to speak occasionally use this time to express their displeasure with a specific council member, not to discuss a particular issue.

They also said that it is a disservice to businesses in Yuma that attend meetings in order to obtain permits or licenses, as it forces them to stay later in order to have their issues resolved.

Citizens against the move believe it is unjust for city officials to make the public wait to voice their opinions, because they believe the primary purpose of the meetings should be for people to have the opportunity to have their voices heard.

“Don’t punish people because they want to come up and inform you,” said one member of the public. It’s an opportunity as citizens, and for you as their council people, to listen to them, and I urge you to leave it as is.”