Butler County residents won’t be able to stray from government business when they speak during county commissioner meetings.

Commissioner Bill McCarrier, board chairman, said at the meeting Monday that he would begin enforcing county policy restricting public comment Wednesday.

“We’ve been very liberal,” McCarrier said. “That’s been my fault.”

He said speakers should be sticking to issues that may come before the commissioners.

“I think we should start following the policy,” McCarrier said.

Commissioner Dale Pinkerton supported McCarrier’s stance.

“I certainly agree with that,” Pinkerton said.

However, Commissioner Jim Eckstein argued people should have the freedom to pick their topics.

“I’m deeply disturbed by this,” Eckstein said. “Our policy doesn’t mean anything compared to the Sunshine Law.”

Under the state law called the Sunshine Act, most government business, including discussions, must take place during publicly advertised meetings.

Eckstein claimed that does not happen now.

“A lot of deliberation goes on behind closed doors,” he said.

Eckstein cited numerous topics such as tourism events that fall outside what’s allowed under public comment policy but are discussed at meetings anyway.

Since commissioner reports were eliminated from meetings earlier this year, Eckstein speaks during every public comment session.

Eckstein accused his colleagues of trying to stifle him.

“I want my three minutes,” he said.

Eckstein said he would rather be ejected from the meeting room than give up the right to speak.

“I will take the arrest,” he said.

Eckstein eventually stormed out of the meeting room in the commissioners office on the fifth floor.

“The county is a cesspool of collusion and corruption,” he said before leaving. “You guys have a nice day.”

After Eckstein departed, McCarrier stressed Eckstein would not be prevented from speaking and nobody would ignore state code.

“There is no violation of the Sunshine Law,” McCarrier said.

County solicitor Mike English confirmed the commissioners would not be violating any law by restricting public comments to issues that may come before the board.

“The policy is almost verbatim from the statute,” English said. “It’s a matter of enforcing it.”

According to 710.01 of the state Sunshine Act covering public participation at government meetings, “the board or council of a political subdivision or of an authority created by a political subdivision shall provide a reasonable opportunity at each advertised regular meeting and advertised special meeting for residents ... to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are or may be before the board or council prior to taking official action.”

The county policy — Procedures for Addressing the Butler County Board of Commissioners — includes similar language.

According to the policy, “This portion provides residents and taxpayers of Butler County a reasonable opportunity to comment on matters of concern, official action or deliberation which are, or may be, before the board prior to taking official action.”

The policy also states the chairman may rule any speaker out of order for such offenses as using vulgar language or launching personal attacks on county officials or employees.

McCarrier said he has no problem with Eckstein’s topics, just his presentation, which include attacks on McCarrier and Pinkerton.

“I don’t agree with the manner in which he says it,” McCarrier said.

He said enforcing the policy means people can no longer make announcements about events or programs unrelated to board decisions.

Sheriff Mike Slupe on June 27 sent an internal e-mail questioning why some speakers were permitted to talk about any issue, including giving public service announcements.

Slupe said in an interview he is satisfied with McCarrier’s comments about enforcing the public comment policy.

“All it’s about is abiding by the rules,” Slupe said.

Margaret Abersold, Eckstein’s administrative assistant, routinely relays announcements at commissioner meetings.

Abersold referred questions to Eckstein, who said she would have to decide whether to continue speaking during public comment.

He said his early departure from the meeting was a protest.

“McCarrier and Pinkerton are desecrating the Constitution,” Eckstein said.