The Marion County Board of County Commissioners held its first public hearing on September 3, 2025, to discuss proposed amendments to the Marion County Land Development Code. This meeting marks the initial step in a two-part process, with a second hearing scheduled for September 16, 2025, at 10 AM.

A key focus of the meeting was the proposed shift in how legal advertisements are published. Currently, these notices are required to be placed in traditional newspapers. The new ordinance aims to allow for these advertisements to be published on a publicly accessible website, providing a modern alternative that could enhance accessibility for residents. The amendments include updates to three sections of the land development code, ensuring that while the option for newspaper publication remains, the website will serve as a viable option for public notices.

The county attorney's office presented the changes, emphasizing that the updates would streamline the process of notifying the public about land development matters. This move is seen as a step towards improving communication with residents and adapting to the digital age.

No immediate action was taken during this hearing, as the board will consider the ordinance for adoption at the upcoming meeting. Community members were invited to provide input, although no public comments were made during this session.

As Marion County continues to evolve, these proposed changes reflect a commitment to enhancing transparency and accessibility in local governance. Residents are encouraged to participate in the next public hearing to voice their opinions on this significant update to the land development code.