A motion to amend seeks to retain the basic motion on the floor (a motion made and seconded) but to modify it in some way. It requires the agreement of the person making the original motion.
The basic rule of motions is that they are subject to discussion and debate. Accordingly, the basic motion and the motion to amend are all eligible, each in their turn for full discussion by and before the County Commission. Discussion and debate can continue as long as the members wish to discuss it or until the Chair decides that it is time to move on and call a vote on the motion.
There are exceptions to the general rule of free and open debate on motions. The exceptions all apply when there is a desire for the Commission to move on. The following motions are NOT debatable, and the Chair must immediately call a vote on the motion if seconded by another member.
a.
Motion to Adjourn. This motion, if passed, requires the Commission to immediately adjourn to its next regularly scheduled meeting. This motion requires a simple majority vote.
b.
Motion to Recess. This motion, if passed, requires the Commission to immediately take a recess. Normally the Chair will determine the length of the recess, which could last from a few minutes to several hours. It requires a simple majority vote.
c.
Motion to Fix the Time to Adjourn. This motion, if passed, requires the Commission to adjourn the meeting at the specific time set in motion. For example, “I move we adjourn this meeting at Midnight.” It requires a simple majority vote.
d.
Motion to Table. This motion, if passed, requires discussion of the agenda item to be halted immediately and the agenda item to be placed on hold. The motion may contain a specific time to bring the item up again, or it may not specify a time. If no time is specified, the item should be on the agenda at the following Commission meeting.
The following motions require a unanimous vote to pass.
e.
Motion to Limit Debate. This motion is sometimes referred to as “moving the question” or “calling the question.” When a member of the Commission makes such a motion, the member is saying, “I have had enough discussion; let’s vote on the issue.” When such a motion is made, the Chair should ask for a second, stop the discussion, and vote on the motion to limit debate. The motion requires a unanimous vote to pass.