How to Speak at a City Council or Board of Supervisors Meeting: A Mohave County Guide
MOHAVE COUNTY, AZ — You have seen something happening in your neighborhood, disagree with a proposed decision, want local officials to look into an issue, or simply believe something needs to be said.
So how do you actually speak at a City Council or Mohave County Board of Supervisors meeting?
Public meetings can seem intimidating if you have never attended one, but residents regularly appear before their local governments to express concerns, support proposals, oppose decisions, ask that issues receive attention and participate in the local government process.
There are, however, rules to understand before walking up to the microphone.
First: Understand What “Call to the Public” Means
Arizona's Open Meeting Law generally gives members of the public the right to attend and listen to public meetings, but it does not automatically give everyone an unrestricted right to speak whenever they choose.
A public body may provide a Call to the Public, sometimes called an open call to the public, allowing residents to address officials about matters within that body's jurisdiction. Local governments may establish reasonable rules regarding when people speak and how much time they receive.
That distinction is important.
You cannot simply interrupt a meeting because you disagree with something being said. Instead, wait until the appropriate public-comment portion or until the specific agenda item you want to address is called.
Step 1: Find the Meeting and Read the Agenda
Before attending, find the agenda for the meeting.
Agendas tell you:
When and where the meeting will be held
What officials are scheduled to discuss
What items may receive a vote
Whether public hearings are scheduled
Whether there is a Call to the Public
The order in which items are expected to be considered
The Mohave County Board of Supervisors posts its agendas, minutes and meeting information through the county's meeting system. Regular Board meetings are generally held at 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Monday of each month, with adjustments when a Monday is a holiday. Meetings are normally held at the Board of Supervisors Auditorium at 700 W. Beale Street in Kingman.
Kingman also publishes City Council agendas and minutes online. Regular Kingman City Council meetings are generally scheduled for the first and third Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m.
Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City also publish City Council agendas and meeting documents online.
Always check the current agenda before attending. Meeting dates, locations, procedures and agendas can change.
Step 2: Determine Whether Your Issue Is Already on the Agenda
This is one of the most important things to understand.
There is a difference between:
Speaking about an item already on the agenda
and
Speaking during Call to the Public about something that is not on the agenda.
If the issue you want to discuss is already listed as an agenda item, you may need to speak when that particular item comes before the Council or Board.
If it is not on the agenda, Call to the Public may be the appropriate opportunity to raise it.
For example, Bullhead City's current meeting language specifically tells residents who want to discuss an item already on the agenda to wait until that item is announced rather than using Call to the Public.
Step 3: Fill Out a Request to Speak Form When Required
Do not assume simply raising your hand will get you called to the microphone.
Some local governments require speakers to complete a card or form.
The Mohave County Board of Supervisors currently requires a Call to the Public Request to Speak Form for someone wishing to address the Board during Call to the Public.
If you want to speak about a specific Board agenda item, the county rules state that an Agenda Item Request to Speak Form must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board before that agenda item begins.
This is another reason arriving early can help.
If you are unsure what form you need, ask the clerk or meeting staff before the meeting begins.
Step 4: Know Your Time Limit
Public comment is not an unlimited speech.
Local governments can impose reasonable time restrictions.
Under the Mohave County Board of Supervisors' current Rules of Order, comments on agenda items are generally limited to no more than three minutes, although the chair has authority under the rules to modify speaking time.
Bullhead City's current City Council agendas also generally limit Call to the Public comments to three minutes, or five minutes when someone is speaking on behalf of a group of citizens who are present, with a maximum amount of time allocated for the overall Call to the Public period.
Rules can vary between governments and meetings, so verify the current rules before you speak.
Three Minutes Goes Faster Than You Think
If you have three minutes, do not spend the first two minutes explaining every detail of how you became involved.
Get to your point.
A simple format can help:
Who you are.
“My name is Jane Smith, and I live in Kingman.”
Why you are there.
“I am here regarding the condition of…”
What the problem is.
Briefly explain the facts.
What you want officials to do.
“I am asking the Council to…”
Then conclude.
Step 5: Speak to the Government Body, Not the Audience
When you approach the microphone, address the Council or Board.
You are there to provide information to your elected officials.
Avoid turning around and arguing with people sitting in the audience.
Even when an issue is emotional or controversial, your message will usually be easier to understand if you stay focused on:
The issue. The evidence. The impact. The requested solution.
Step 6: Stick to the Issue
If you are speaking about a specific agenda item, keep your comments related to that item.
Mohave County's Rules of Order allow the chairperson to interrupt a speaker who strays off-topic or becomes overly repetitive when addressing an agenda item.
If the issue is not currently on the agenda and you are speaking during Call to the Public, make sure the matter is something within that government's jurisdiction.
For example, a City Council may have authority over a city issue, while the Mohave County Board of Supervisors deals with county government.
Speaking to the correct government body can make your comments considerably more effective.
“Why Aren't They Answering Me?”
This is one of the most confusing parts of public meetings for first-time speakers.
You may make a three-minute statement, ask several questions and then hear very little response from the elected officials.
That does not necessarily mean they are ignoring you.
Under Arizona's Open Meeting Law, when someone raises a matter during Call to the Public that is not listed on the agenda, members of the public body generally cannot begin a full discussion or take legal action on that subject at that meeting.
Individual officials may respond to criticism, ask staff to review the matter or request that it be placed on a future agenda, but the Board or Council cannot simply begin deliberating and voting on an unposted issue.
So if you ask a question and do not immediately receive a lengthy answer, understand that Open Meeting Law may limit what officials can discuss at that moment.
Want Something Put on a Future Agenda?
Say so.
If your concern requires actual Council or Board action, consider ending your remarks with a specific request such as:
“I respectfully ask that this issue be placed on a future agenda for discussion and possible action.”
Kingman's City Clerk FAQ specifically states that someone who wants an item placed on a Council agenda can make that request during the Call to the Public portion of a City Council meeting.
Making a specific request is generally more useful than simply saying you are upset about an issue.
Bring Documentation
If your concern involves something that can be documented, prepare before the meeting.
Depending on the issue, that might include:
Photographs
Dates and times
Emails or correspondence
Police report or case numbers
Maps
Property information
Copies of ordinances
Petitions
Government records
Letters from affected residents
Estimates or financial information
Do not attempt to read a stack of documents during your three minutes.
Summarize the important information and determine whether the clerk accepts written supporting materials.
The Mohave County Rules of Order state that members of the public may submit written comments to the Clerk for forwarding to the Board upon request.
Write Your Comments Before You Go
You do not have to memorize a speech.
Writing down your main points can prevent nerves, interruptions or emotions from causing you to forget what you wanted to say.
Try to keep your written statement shorter than the maximum speaking time.
Practice it once with a timer.
If three minutes expire before you make your request, the most important part of your message may never be heard.
You Can Disagree — But Keep Control of Your Message
Local government meetings sometimes involve controversial issues and strong disagreements.
Residents can criticize government actions and elected officials, but meeting rules concerning order and disruption still apply. Arizona authorities recognize that public bodies may impose reasonable time, place and manner restrictions during public-comment periods.
Mohave County's current rules also provide procedures for dealing with disruptive conduct that interferes with the orderly operation of a meeting.
You do not have to agree with elected officials.
You do not have to avoid a difficult subject.
But losing control of the room can also cause your actual point to become lost.
A Strong Public Comment Can Be Simple
You do not need to be an attorney, politician or professional public speaker.
A resident can walk to the microphone and say:
“My name is ________. I live in ________. I am here today regarding ________. This affects our community because ________. I am asking the Council/Board to ________. Thank you.”
That's it.
Three organized minutes can sometimes communicate more effectively than ten minutes of unfocused argument.
What Happens After You Speak?
Speaking at one meeting may not be the end of the process.
If the issue matters to you:
Follow the next agenda.
Watch to see whether officials request staff action.
Check whether your issue appears on a future agenda.
Contact the appropriate city or county department.
Email your elected representative.
Submit supporting documentation.
Attend the next meeting.
Local government often moves through a process rather than through one public comment.
You Don't Have to Speak to Participate
If public speaking is not for you, you can still participate.
You can attend meetings and listen, review agendas and supporting documents, watch meeting recordings when available, contact elected officials and submit written comments where the governing body's procedures allow.
Arizona's Open Meeting Law is built around the principle that government meetings should be open to public observation.
Before You Go: Five Things to Remember
1. Read the agenda.Know whether your topic is already listed.
2. Arrive early.Find out whether you need to complete a speaker form.
3. Know your time limit.Three minutes can disappear quickly.
4. Make a specific request.Tell officials what action you are asking them to consider.
5. Follow up.Public participation does not necessarily end when you leave the microphone.
Local Government Starts Locally
City Council and Board of Supervisors meetings are where decisions about roads, development, budgets, ordinances, public safety, services, land use and many other local issues are discussed.
Residents do not have to understand every government procedure before becoming involved.
Start by reading the agenda.
Show up.
Learn the process.
And when you have something relevant to say, be prepared to use your time effectively.
Where to Find City Council and Board Meetings in Mohave County
Not sure where to find your local meeting? Mohave County has three incorporated cities and the incorporated Town of Colorado City, and each local government posts its own agendas and meeting information online.
Residents should always check the official government website before attending because meeting dates, times, locations and special meetings can change.
Kingman City Council
City of Kingman Official Website:https://www.cityofkingman.gov/
City Council Agendas & Minutes:https://www.cityofkingman.gov/government/agendas-minutes
Kingman City Council meetings are regularly scheduled for the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, unless otherwise noticed. The city’s Agendas & Minutes page also provides access to meeting documents and information about watching City Council meetings.
Before attending, check the latest posted agenda to confirm the meeting date and whether the item you are interested in will be discussed.
Bullhead City Council
Bullhead City Official Website:https://www.bullheadcityaz.gov/
City Council Agendas & Meetings:https://www.bullheadcityaz.gov/leadership-government/agendas-and-meetings/
Bullhead City Council regularly meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. Additional work sessions, executive sessions and special meetings may also be scheduled.
The city's Agendas and Meetings page provides access to City Council agendas, meeting packets, minutes and other public meeting information.
Lake Havasu City Council
Lake Havasu City Official Website:https://www.lhcaz.gov/
City Council Agendas, Minutes & Meeting Calendar:https://lakehavasucity.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
Lake Havasu City Council regular meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The city's online meeting portal allows residents to view upcoming and previous meetings, agendas, agenda packets, minutes, action summaries and available meeting videos.
The portal also includes meetings for Planning and Zoning, the Board of Adjustment and other city boards and commissions.
Town of Colorado City
Colorado City is technically a town rather than a city, but it has its own elected Town Council and public meetings.
Town of Colorado City Official Website:https://www.tocc.us/
Town Council Meetings & Minutes:https://www.tocc.us/meetings
Colorado City posts upcoming Town Council meetings, special meetings, Planning Commission meetings, public hearings and other government meetings through its Meetings & Minutes page.
Because dates can vary, residents should check the meeting page for the latest Town Council agenda, time and meeting information.
Mohave County Board of Supervisors
If you live in an unincorporated area of Mohave County, many of your local government issues fall under the Mohave County Board of Supervisors rather than a City Council.
Mohave County Official Website:https://www.mohave.gov/
Board of Supervisors Meetings, Agendas & Minutes:https://www.mohave.gov/departments/board-of-supervisors/board-of-supervisors-meetings/
The county's meeting page provides Board of Supervisors agendas and minutes as well as access to live and previously recorded meetings.
Regular Board meetings are generally held at 9:30 a.m. on the first and third Monday of each month. When a Monday meeting falls on a holiday, it is generally moved to Tuesday unless otherwise scheduled.
This is especially important for residents living outside incorporated city limits, including many residents in communities such as Golden Valley, Fort Mohave, Mohave Valley, Dolan Springs, Meadview, Chloride and Topock.
Bookmark Your Local Government's Meeting Page
You do not have to wait until an issue becomes controversial to start paying attention to local government.
Bookmark your city's meeting page. Check upcoming agendas. Read the supporting documents. Watch meetings online when available. And if an issue directly affects you or your community, learn how to participate.
Local government decisions can affect roads, development, zoning, water, public safety, taxes, budgets, parks, utilities and other services residents encounter every day.
Knowing where the meeting is and what is on the agenda is the first step toward having your voice heard.
Stay informed. Stay involved.
Stay informed. Stay involved.
Editor's Note: Meeting procedures, speaking limits and public-comment rules may change and can vary between governing bodies. Residents should review the current agenda and rules of the specific City Council, Board, commission or other public body before attending. This article is intended as a general community guide and is not legal advice.
📍 The Mohave Insider’s guide includes meeting information for Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, Colorado City, and the Mohave County Board of Supervisors.
Your voice. Your community. Stay informed. Stay involved.
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