Commissioners advance ordinance amending meeting code to second reading
Summary
Josephine County commissioners voted 3–0 on June 17 to read Ordinance No. 2026‑001 by title only and advance it to a second reading July 1. County legal counsel said the change removes local executive‑session language and relies on state law and the county charter to govern closed sessions.
Josephine County commissioners on June 17 voted unanimously to have Ordinance No. 2026‑001 read by title only and moved to a second reading on July 1, 2026.
County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks told the board the ordinance would remove portions of Chapter 2.05 of the County Code that pertain to executive sessions while keeping references to the Oregon Public Meetings Law and the Josephine County Charter. Hicks said the intent is to simplify local code and rely on evolving state law, court decisions and attorney‑general guidance to define executive‑session practice.
Commissioner Colene M. Martin moved to read the ordinance by title only; Commissioner Gary L. Richardson seconded the motion. On roll call, Richardson, Martin and Chair Ron A. Smith each voted yes. No members of the public spoke during the hearing.
The change does not adopt new executive‑session rules; rather, it removes local language that the board described as potentially outdated and directs reliance on state statutory and charter provisions. The ordinance will return for a second reading on July 1, 2026, the next procedural step before possible adoption.
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