The City of Portales is pleased to announce the reinstatement of public comment periods during
City Council meetings, effective immediately.

Public comments were temporarily suspended due to concerns regarding campaign-related
speech that could potentially impact the integrity of municipal proceedings and public trust in a
fair and free election.

After careful review and consideration, the City has made the decision to allow this process to
take place with clear guidelines that ensure public participation, while maintaining appropriate
meeting decorum and legal compliance.

The public comment period will resume at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting on
September 23, 2025. All speakers must adhere to established time limits and topic guidelines.
The City remains committed to transparent governance and community engagement. We
recognize the importance of providing residents with a platform to voice their concerns, share
ideas, and engage directly with their elected representatives. We are committed to ensuring that
these forums are accessible, respectful, and productive.

Residents are encouraged to review the updated meeting calendar and participation guidelines,
which are available on the City website.

The City of Portales remains committed to upholding the principles of open government and
civic engagement. We thank the public for their patience and understanding during the temporary
postponement and look forward to welcoming community voices back into the public forum.