The Carroll County Commissioners' meeting Monday night lasted almost four hours. Although it is commendable that everyone in the audience was given the opportunity to offer an opinion about the proposed mega-dairy, the subject was allowed 15 minutes on the agenda. It was the first item of business and the discussion lasted an hour and 45 minutes, going longer than most of the other items were scheduled for on the agenda.

The commissioners' meeting room was overcrowded and many audience members simply could not get into the room during the confined animal feeding operation (CAFO) discussion. The agenda was pushed back almost two hours, imposing a huge wait for everyone else needing the commissioners' time and attention.

We applaud our county's leaders for listening to all who want to speak. But a more realistic agenda with time limits would be appropriate for taking care of the huge amount of business before them. When a controversial topic appears on the agenda, holding a special meeting would better serve all county residents.