Only in a city as particular as Plano does the possibility of changes to community boards draw so much attention.

The city has more than two dozen citizens' boards on which participants discuss matters ranging from public art to issues facing young people and the elderly.

That could soon change. The City Council, which appoints the boards, started looking at cutting back on the number of panels last year. Last month, the council discussed a preliminary plan to consolidate some and do away with others.

The intent of the boards is to spur civic participation in government and decision-making. Over time, they also have evolved into a sort of minor-league system for those with ambitions of serving in public office.

But Plano has far more community panels than other cities, says Mayor Pat Evans. The boards, too, carry some public cost as city staffers often take time to create agendas and convene meetings. The city is facing tight budget times and looking to cut costs wherever possible.

The City Council, meanwhile, faces the laborious task of regularly appointing new volunteers – in a few cases as many as a dozen – to fill each board.

Council members recently discussed a plan to keep the most important boards (such as Planning and Zoning and the Housing Authority), consolidate some (such as committees overseeing public arts and libraries) and eliminate others (like the Keep Plano Beautiful and Transportation Advisory committees).

Still, the council appears far from approving any changes yet.

Some board volunteers expressed disappointment, but said they would follow whatever directions the council gives.

Said Robert Drotman, chairman of the Public Arts Committee, "After all, we serve at the pleasure of the council."

Reach staff writer Theodore Kim at 469-330-5629.