At its July 8, 2025, meeting, Monroe City Council approved several changes to how it conducts business, including a new meeting format and updated public comment requirements.
Mayor Pro Tem Title Change
The Council voted to appoint Council Member Surluta Anthony as the new Mayor Pro Tem, effective with the July 8, 2025 City Council Regular Meeting.
Council Meetings Changed to Two Days a Month
As part of the structural changes, Council approved a format with three meetings per month on two days. This is a shift from its previous schedule where only two meetings were held a month on the same day.
Beginning in August, the first and second meeting of the month will remain focused on City business. City Council's Strategic Planning Meeting typically begins at 4:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Council's Regular Meeting takes place at 6:00 p.m. on the same day.
A third meeting, now set for the fourth Tuesday of each month, will be reserved for public comment, public hearings, and any urgent or time-sensitive issues that arise between the two meetings.
Council Members said the change is intended to make meetings more manageable and accessible.
North Carolina municipalities must hold at least one public comment opportunity per month, according to state law. The next public comment period will be held during the August 26, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting.
Public Comment Identification Changes
Another change approved by Council reinstates the requirement for speakers during public comment to state their full name and address at the podium. Speakers who do not state their full name and address at the podium will not be allowed to address Council.
To read more about City Council meeting rules and procedures, visit www.monroenc.org/citycouncil.
Monroe City Council encourages residents to attend the newly structured meetings to engage more fully in the civic process and stay informed on city issues.