In the 2023 session, the Legislative Assembly passed HB 2805, which gives the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) authority to investigate violations of Oregon’s Public Meetings Law (ORS 192.610 to 192.705). HB 2805 creates some mandatory prerequisites for submitting Public Meetings Law complaints to OGEC. Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 199-050-0070 require the public body to publish on its website the contact information of how an individual may submit a grievance alleging a violation by the governing body of provisions in the Public Meeting Law.  The full text of this rule can be viewed by clicking here.These prerequisites will also apply to executive session provision complaints.

If you believe a Public Meetings Law violation has occurred:

1. You must submit a written grievance to the public body, stating facts and circumstances of the alleged violation. This written grievance must be submitted to the public body within 30 days of the date the alleged violation occurred.
   • Mail complaint to:
     • Office Administrator
     • 819 Railway Ave
     • Silverton, OR 97381
   • Email written complaint to: 
     • Office Administrator at candace.cantu@silvertonfire.com
   • Or in person during regular business hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
2. You must give the public body 21 days to respond to your written grievance. The public body’s written response should acknowledge receipt of the written grievance, and: admit or deny the facts and circumstances alleged in the grievance; admit or deny that those facts and circumstances amount to a violation of the Public Meetings Law; and if a violation is acknowledged, explain the steps the governing body will take to cure the violation.The Public Body will submit its response to both you and to OGEC.
3. If, upon receiving the Public Body’s response, or upon receiving no response within 21 days of your written grievance, you may submit your complaint to OGEC. Your submission must include documentation that you satisfied these mandatory prerequisites. This documentation would include your written grievance and the public body’s written response (or affirmation that no response was received within 21 days).

Your complaint will be dismissed under ORS 192.685(3) if  you fail to satisfy these mandatory prerequisites before filing your complaint with OGEC.