Beginning Tuesday, March 4, Richmond City Council meeting hours will be held over an hour earlier than usual as part of a six-month trial basis, according to the city.
The Regular City Council meetings will begin at 5 p.m. rather than the usual 6:30 p.m. In addition, Open Session for public comment before Closed Session will begin at 3:30 p.m. rather than 4:30 p.m.
Meetings are expected to end typically at 10 p.m. rather than 11 p.m., officials said.
“An earlier starting time should allow for more focused discussions, timely decision-making, and more inclusiveness of citizens who are not able to attend late meetings,” the city stated.
Richmond resident Don Gosney criticized the change in hours as it disuades people who are still at work from being able to speak their minds on policy decisions.
“Why are you trying to keep people away from your meetings,” said Gosney, noting City Council members recently gave themselves an 80 percent pay raise. “You are doing such a great job of doing that, by the way.”
If the trial period proves unsuccessful, City Council meetings will return to their current meeting times, according to city officials.
