Josephine County legal counsel eyes rewrite of executive-session rules; board agrees to bring ordinance forward

Wally Hicks, legal counsel for Josephine County, told the Board of Commissioners on June 11 that he has drafted an ordinance to amend Chapter 2.05 of the Josephine County Code to simplify and clarify rules governing executive sessions.

Hicks told the three commissioners in attendance—Commissioner Ron Smith, Commissioner Colene Martin and Commissioner Gary Richardson—that the draft would reference applicable provisions of the Oregon public meetings law and the Josephine County Charter rather than retain more prescriptive local language. He said the change is intended to give the county greater flexibility as laws, court decisions and administrative practices evolve while ensuring compliance with state requirements.

Hicks reviewed the ordinance-adoption process required by the charter, noting the ordinance will require two readings spaced at least 13 days apart and opportunities for public comment before final adoption. Commissioners discussed recent challenges related to executive session procedures and expressed support for updating the county code to remain consistent with current legal requirements and to preserve transparency.

The Board reached consensus to place the draft ordinance on a future Weekly Business Session agenda so the formal reading process and public-comment opportunities may occur. Hicks said he will prepare the ordinance packet and present the item for the required readings at future meetings.