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Josephine County Board adopts code change to rely on state law for executive sessions
Summary
The Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-001, removing duplicative executive-session language from Chapter 2.05 and instead referencing the Oregon Public Meetings Law and the Josephine County Charter to preserve flexibility as state guidance evolves.
The Josephine County Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 2026-001 on July 8, 2026, amending Chapter 2.05 of the County Code to remove outdated language about executive sessions and rely on the Oregon Public Meetings Law and the Josephine County Charter.
County Legal Counsel Wally Hicks presented the ordinance during the Board’s public hearing, telling commissioners the change eliminates duplicative statutory text and allows the Board to remain consistent with evolving legislative changes, judicial decisions and Attorney General guidance. "Relying upon state law and the Charter provides greater flexibility as public meeting laws continue to evolve," Hicks said.
Commissioners discussed the practical effect of the change and supported the approach. Commissioner Gary L. Richardson said the amendment would give the Board additional flexibility when conducting executive sessions while maintaining compliance with applicable law. Commissioners Colene M. Martin and Ron A. Smith expressed agreement that referencing governing law reduces the need for future code amendments.
Commissioner Martin moved to have the ordinance read by title only; Commissioner Richardson seconded and the motion passed on a 3-0 roll-call vote. After discussion, Commissioner Richardson moved to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-001; Commissioner Martin seconded. The roll-call vote to adopt the ordinance was Richardson—yes; Martin—yes; Smith—yes, and the motion carried 3-0. The public hearing was closed at 5:34 p.m.
The ordinance replaces specific executive-session provisions in the County Code with references to the Oregon Public Meetings Law and the Josephine County Charter. The Board’s action does not change the legal obligations to hold emergency or executive sessions where allowed under state law and the Charter; rather, it removes duplicative county-level statutory text to preserve long-term consistency with state guidance.
The Board did not receive public testimony on the ordinance. The ordinance will take effect as prescribed by county procedures. The Board moved on to other agenda items after closing the hearing.
