Board discusses first reading of policy to permit member stipends; questions on ORS limits and optics
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Summary
Trustees held a first reading of a policy that would permit future resolutions to provide stipends to board members, debated conflict‑of‑interest procedures and opt‑out/donation approaches, and discussed ORS 332.018 sub 3 limits (historically $500/month; chair estimated a CPI‑adjusted $531.45).
The Hermiston SD 8 board conducted a first reading of proposed policy language that would allow the district to provide board member stipends (in addition to existing reimbursements). The policy would not set an amount but would permit annual resolutions, adopted as part of the budget process, to set stipend levels subject to statutory limits.
Board members repeatedly declared potential conflicts of interest and discussed procedural safeguards. As one trustee summarized, "Potential conflict of interest is the language;" others confirmed they would declare the potential conflict individually before any future resolution.
The chair cited ORS 332.018 sub 3 as the statutory reference and said the historical limit was $500 per month; he calculated a cost‑of‑living adjustment that would put the current statutory maximum at approximately $531.45, noting that his math could be off. Several trustees expressed support for exploring stipends as a way to reduce financial barriers to public service and to increase engagement; others worried about optics, the potential to attract candidates primarily for pay, and the need to set parameters (for example, per‑meeting pay or smaller nominal amounts). One trustee suggested options for charitable redirects but the chair explained that an individual who wants to donate a stipend would need to accept it first and then give it away.
Board members agreed the policy was appropriate for a study/read and could return for additional discussion; staff offered to research other districts' practices and to solicit public input prior to any resolution.
No stipend resolution was adopted at the meeting; the policy remained at first read for further review.