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Staff proposes formal 'approve agenda' step at start of Deschutes County meetings to increase transparency
Summary
County staff proposed that the board adopt the day’s agenda at the start of meetings so late items added after publication are recorded and accepted by majority vote; commissioners expressed support and asked staff to prepare a formal procedure for future meetings.
A county staff member proposed that the board adopt a formal agenda‑approval step at the start of meetings to improve transparency for items added after the agenda is published. The suggested practice would have the board acknowledge and vote to add substantive late items at the beginning of a meeting rather than leaving them to appear under 'other items' at the end.
“Rather than just those coming up organically during, or they could be planned… at the start of the meeting the all commissioners or majority of commissioners would agree that these are the additional topics that we’ll discuss,” the staff member said, explaining the intent is to inform the public and media about substantive additions.
Commissioners discussed practical uses for the step, including adding late‑breaking grant requests or pulling items from the consent agenda for fuller discussion. Several commissioners voiced support, calling the move a net positive for public transparency, and suggested staff prepare a documented procedure for inclusion on future agendas.
After that discussion the board convened an executive session under Oregon law (ORS 192.660(2)(e) and (h)) to discuss real property negotiations and litigation; the meeting adjourned after executive session.
