The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners held a special meeting on December 9, 2020, focusing on the approval of elements within the county's master plan. The meeting included public comments that raised concerns about the rapid approval process and the implications for the community's growth and resources.

During the public comment segment, resident Jim Slade expressed mixed feelings about the board's swift approval of the master plan elements, crediting the Planning Commission for their hard work but voicing concerns over unrealistic population projections. He highlighted that the county's anticipated growth rate of 0.1% per year over the next 18 years seemed implausible and called for the removal of misleading data from the executive summary.

Slade also emphasized the importance of maintaining the county's rural character and the long-term viability of water resources, noting that some wells in specific areas were already running dry. He criticized the board for not adhering to existing policies aimed at preserving agricultural land and managing growth effectively.

Another resident, Allie Waller, echoed Slade's sentiments, expressing disappointment over the lack of robust discussions during the meeting compared to previous Planning Commission meetings. She urged the board to prioritize community plans as essential action items for future development.

The meeting concluded with discussions on how to communicate the outcomes to the public, including plans to post the approved elements of the master plan on the county's website. The board acknowledged the need for further refinements to the document before final publication.

Overall, the meeting underscored the community's concerns regarding growth management and resource sustainability, highlighting the importance of public engagement in local governance. The board's next steps will involve addressing these concerns while finalizing the master plan for public review.