Ethics & Public Meeting Law

Public Meeting Law (PML) Grievances

Molalla meeting bodies, including the City Council and all boards and committees, are subject to Oregon’s Public Meetings Law (PML)(link is external). Violations of the PML should be reported through the grievance process outlined by state law and the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC). To report a violation of the PML by a Molalla meeting body, submit a written grievance statement to the Office of the City Recorder (OCR) by email to recorder@cityofmolalla.com or in-person at City Hall , 117 N. Molalla Avenue, Molalla. Once received the city will initiate the process as outlined by the OGEC (see link above).

Oregon Ethics Laws

The mission of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission is to fairly and impartially administer the regulatory provisions of ORS Chapter 244, Oregon Government Ethic law; ORS 171.725 to 171.785 and 171.992, Lobby Regulation and Oregon Public Meetings law; ORS 192.660, efficiently, expediently and with the highest possible emphasis on customer service for complainants, respondents and the general public of Oregon.

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC), established by vote of the people in 1974, is a seven-member citizen commission charged with enforcing government ethic laws. Oregon government ethic laws prohibit public officials from using office for financial gain, and require public disclosure of economic conflict of interest. The OGEC also enforces state laws which require lobbyists and the entities they represent to register and periodically report their expenditures. The third area of OGEC jurisdiction is the executive session provisions of public meetings law.

Their website has guidance and advice memos on a wide range of ethical issues and dilemmas. For more information: https://www.oregon.gov/ogec/Pages/default.aspx