A proposal that would bring chickens to backyards in Everly received both support and scrutiny during a special gathering Tuesday at City Hall.

Members of the urban chicken committee listened to residents' opinions on allowing laying hens in town. The proposal was first floated in front of the council last month, but members wanted to seek community input on the matter before making a final decision.

Supporters of the plan, which was suggested by resident Janice Nielsen, iterated many of the same points that were brought up previously. Urban chickens provide their owners with an independent...