Yamhill County adopts media-relations and social-media policies, sets Sept. 11 effective date

The Yamhill County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 28 approved a new media relations policy and an accompanying social‑media policy intended to clarify how county staff should handle media inquiries, posting and public communications. Commissioners set an effective date of Sept. 11 to allow time for required posting and collective-bargaining notifications.

The board discussed whether the policy language should use mandatory phrasing — for example, replacing “refrain” or “should” with “shall” — so the standard would be clearer and easier to enforce. A staff member told the board that changing the language to “shall” in the policy’s opening line would be an “easy fix,” and commissioners agreed to make the edit before final publication.

Supporters said the policies fill a gap in county guidance and provide a clear process for staff who receive media inquiries or encounter questions about social media use. One commissioner noted the importance of preserving employees’ First Amendment rights while avoiding the appearance that staff are speaking on behalf of the county.

The board voted unanimously to approve both policies and set Sept. 11 as the effective date so the county could post the policies and fulfill any contractual posting requirements. The motion carried without recorded dissent.