Oregon Public Meetings Law

Oregon Public Meetings Law helps ensure that the decisions of governing bodies are made openly and that the public has access to the deliberations and decisions of those bodies.

If you believe a City of Independence governing body has violated Oregon Public Meetings Law, Oregon law provides a process for submitting a written grievance to the City.

How to File a Public Meetings Law Grievance

A written grievance must be submitted to the City within 30 calendar days of the meeting where the alleged violation occurred.

Your written grievance must include:

  • The governing body that you believe violated Public Meetings Law;

  • The date of the meeting when the alleged violation occurred;

  • A description of the specific facts and circumstances you believe constitute a violation;

  • The date you are submitting the grievance; and

  • Your name and contact information.

Submit Your Grievance

Public Meetings Law grievances may be submitted to:

Mail:
City of Independence
Attn: Myra Russell, City Recorder
555 S. Main Street
Independence, OR 97351

Email: to Myra Russell at mrussell@ci.independence.or.us

Grievances may also be submitted in person during regular City Hall business hours.

What Happens After I Submit a Grievance?

The City has 21 calendar days after receiving a written grievance to provide you with a written response.

The City’s response will acknowledge receipt of the grievance and address the allegations. Depending on the circumstances, the City may:

  • Deny the facts described in the grievance and explain the City’s understanding of what occurred and why it does not constitute a violation;
  • Agree with the facts described but determine that those facts do not constitute a violation of Public Meetings Law; or
  • Agree that a violation occurred and explain the steps the governing body will take to address the violation.

The City is also required to provide a copy of its written response to the Oregon Government Ethics Commission.

What If I Disagree With the City's Response?

Submitting a grievance to the City is a required first step before a Public Meetings Law complaint may be filed with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC).

If you are not satisfied with the City’s response—or if the City does not provide a response within the required 21-day period—you may file a complaint with OGEC.

When filing with OGEC, you will need to provide documentation showing that you completed the required grievance process, including:

  • A copy of the written grievance you submitted to the City;
  • A copy of the City’s written response; or
  • If no response was received, an affirmation that you did not receive a response within the 21-day period.

Failure to complete the required grievance process before submitting a complaint to OGEC may result in the complaint being dismissed.

Learn More

For additional information about Oregon Public Meetings Law, grievance requirements, or filing a complaint, visit the Oregon Government Ethics Commission Public Meetings Law website.

You may also review ORS 192.610–192.705 for Oregon’s Public Meetings Law requirements.