At our October 28th Board of Commissioners meeting, something important happened — not just about parking spaces, but about process, fairness, and respect for the rules that keep our local government transparent.
During a discussion about a new parking configuration downtown, Commissioner Hall attempted to introduce and push through his own design on the spot. His version reduced the safety buffer near the intersection with NC-16 in order to squeeze in a few more parking spaces. But this wasn’t a minor tweak — it was a new proposal, one that had never been publicly discussed or vetted by staff. And that’s exactly why it couldn’t be voted on that night.
The Rule: No Surprise Ordinances
Under the Board of Commissioners Rules of Procedure, an ordinance or amendment that has not been previously discussed or noticed cannot be brought to a vote unless two-thirds of the Board agrees to suspend the rules. This safeguard ensures that new policies aren’t sprung on the public — or other commissioners — without proper notice, transparency, and deliberation.
G.S. 160A- 75 provides that an ordinance may not be finally adopted at
the meeting at which it is introduced except by a two-thirds vote of all the actual membership of the Board…
When Commissioner Daunt pointed this out, it stopped the rush to vote. Three votes weren’t enough; a supermajority was required. And that’s how the process is supposed to work.
Why the Attempt Was Problematic
Commissioner Hall’s motion wasn’t just procedurally out of line — it was substantively flawed.
- Reduced Safety Buffer
His proposed configuration shrank the buffer zone near Route 16. That’s already a tight area, and since Route 16 is slated for future widening, any loss of buffer today would become a serious safety issue tomorrow. Short-term convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of long-term safety. - Disregard for Expert Work
The town’s traffic engineer had spent time developing a balanced plan — one that met both the concerns of local businesses seeking parking and residents advocating for safety. Commissioner Hall ignored that professional input entirely, substituting his own version without collaboration or technical review. - Misunderstanding the Rules
After years on the Board, Commissioner Hall should understand the Rules of Procedure. They’re not bureaucratic obstacles; they’re the foundation of good governance. They prevent rash decisions and ensure that all voices — including the public’s — are heard before votes are cast.
Why This Matters
Local government only works when it’s predictable, transparent, and accountable. The rules aren’t there to slow things down; they exist to make sure our decisions are sound, lawful, and fair. When commissioners try to skip steps, it erodes public trust — and that’s something no parking space is worth.
A clip from that discussion is embedded below. It’s a clear example of why the Board’s rules — and the commissioners who follow them — matter.