Input welcome at NRD meetings

Dear Editor:
I am a director on the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (UBB NRD). I would like it noted that any comments in this letter are solely my opinion. 
Last Thursday night (8-15-2024) the UBB NRD held a budget hearing followed by the regular monthly board meeting. In attendance were approximately 30 citizens, the majority from Hamilton County and a few from York County. This group included persons who are candidates for the board of directors in the upcoming general election. 
One of the current directors told these citizens that they were wasting their time attending committee and board meetings of the UBB NRD. I totally disagree with this statement. Citizens should always be welcome at our meetings. Over the past few months as the Water Committee has been discussing updating the rules concerning water quality and quantity the public comments have been very helpful in the direction the committee has been going. I would encourage anyone with comments or concerns to attend committee or board meetings. 
Remember, changes to agendas must be made more than 24 hours prior to the meeting, as per the Nebraska Open Meetings Act, but the chairman always allows time for public comments on non-agenda items. 
Dates and times for future meetings can be found on the UBB NRD website. 
John Miller,
Aurora