O.P.O.C. votes that complaint against the ombuds does not show an ethical violation; orders written memorandum

At a special meeting on Feb. 24, 2026, the commission identified in the audio as O.P.O.C. returned from executive session and voted that a complaint previously referred by the Spokane Ethics Commission did not demonstrate an ethical violation by the office's ombuds. Speaker 3 moved for the determination and Speaker 2 seconded; the motion was recorded as passing unanimously.

The action followed an independent investigation that the commission said had been initiated after a complaint the Spokane Ethics Commission submitted on Sept. 7, 2025, from an individual named Evan Sims. The chair stated that commissioners had reviewed ‘‘the independent investigation report provided to the O.P.O.C., and the documents, materials, audio recordings, video recordings, witness interviews, and police materials’’ before voting.

Speaker 3 said, "Iwould like to make a motion, that the OPOC make a determination of no ethical violation under the Spokane code of ethics or other state law nor any indication of any misconduct or impropriety by the ombuds in discharging his duties." That motion was seconded and, after a voice vote, the chair announced the motion had passed unanimously.

After the vote the chair proposed memorializing the commission's findings in a written memorandum and opinion. Speaker 2 moved to prepare a written memorandum and opinion and Speaker 3 seconded; the group approved the motion by voice vote. The chair said the commission would memorialize its findings and conclusion in a written memorandum and opinion.

The meeting record shows the commission had entered executive session earlier in the evening and agreed to several extensions of the return time (variously set to 5:50 p.m., then 6:00 p.m., extended to 6:15, 6:20 and 6:30 p.m.). The chair also said that "no final action was taken at our November 18, 2025 regular meeting" and that the commission had taken action then to initiate the independent investigation into the complaint referenced above.

The commission set its next meeting for Feb. 17, 2026, and then adjourned. The transcript does not record the full written memorandum; commissioners approved drafting that document and did not provide a publication schedule during the meeting.