At the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport, we value transparency, accountability, and open communication with the public. If you believe a violation of the Open Public Meetings Law (OPML) has occurred, this page provides the information and process you need to file a grievance. The Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) oversees OPML compliance and is responsible for investigating and adjudicating potential violations. The new Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 199-050-0070 further clarifies the requirements outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 192.705 for filing a written grievance with a public body.

How to File a Grievance

If you believe a violation of OPML has occurred, you must first submit a written grievance to the public body within 30 days of the alleged violation. The public body then has 21 days to respond in writing to both you and the OGEC. The response will indicate whether they:

• Deny the facts and violation
• Admit the facts but deny a violation
• Admit both the facts and the violation

Once the 21-day period has passed, the complaint may be escalated to the OGEC, as long as a copy of both the grievance and the public body’s response is provided. Failure to include these documents will result in dismissal of the complaint.

Potential Outcomes & Enforcement

The OGEC may take the following actions if a violation is found:
✅ Civil penalties of up to $1,000
✅ Letters of education
✅ Mandatory training

Additionally, individuals affected by a governing body’s decision may file a lawsuit to enforce OPML compliance. Courts have the authority to void decisions made in violation of OPML, award attorney fees, and hold public officials personally liable for willful misconduct.

A successful plaintiff may be awarded reasonable attorney fees at trial or on appeal. Whether to award these or not is in the court’s discretion. If a court finds that a violation of the OPML was the result of willful misconduct by a member or members of the governing body, each is liable for the amount of attorney fees paid to the successful applicant.

OPML Violations & Decision Validity (ORS 192.680)

• Not Automatically Void: Courts have discretion to void a decision made in violation of OPML but are not required to do so.
• Unintentional Violations: A governing body may reinstate a decision while complying with OPML, making it effective from the original adoption date.
• Intentional Violations: If a court finds willful misconduct or intentional disregard of the law by a quorum, it must void the decision unless other equitable relief applies.

Executive Session Violations (ORS 244.260)

• OGEC Investigation: OGEC can review complaints, interview witnesses, and examine meeting records.
• Penalties: A civil penalty of up to $1,000 may be imposed for violations.
• Legal Counsel Exception: No penalty applies if the violation occurred based on legal counsel’s advice.

How do I file a Public Meetings Law Grievance?

Mail or hand deliver complaint to:

Southwest Oregon Regional Airport
1100 Airport Lane
North Bend, OR 97459

Or email a written complaint to info@flyoth.com or complete and submit the form below: