Council reviews conflict-of-interest rules before executive session; councilors report no conflicts

Before recessing into executive session the council heard a staff explanation of when members must disclose potential or actual conflicts of interest. The staff member outlined the difference between a potential conflict (which may be disclosed while allowing participation) and an actual conflict (which must be disclosed and precludes discussion or voting).

"1 exception to this relates to Senate Bill 9 83 adopted in 2025, which amends ORS 244.120," the staff member said, explaining that the law permits local public officials to participate in discussions and votes on city budgets that include compensation for themselves or relatives if they first announce an actual conflict. The clerk then asked whether any councilors wished to declare a conflict; councilors present responded that they had none.

The guidance was given as part of routine agenda housekeeping ahead of the council’s vote to admit a news representative and the recess to executive session. No councilor declared a potential or actual financial interest in the items on that evening’s agenda.