Lincoln County Commissioner Casey Miller is alerting the public to newly implemented restrictions on virtual public participation in Board of Commissioners meetings that were not approved by a vote of the Board and may conflict with Oregon’s Public Meetings Law. The County has recently added a requirement that residents must complete an online registration form by 12:00 p.m. the day before a meeting in order to provide virtual public comment. In addition, those wishing to speak must still register separately through Zoom.

“These changes were implemented administratively and do not appear anywhere in the Board-approved Public Comment Rules,” said Commissioner Miller. “They create new barriers for working families, seniors, rural residents, and those who rely on virtual access for mobility, health, or transportation reasons.”

Public Comment Rules Approved by Board Order Do Not Include These Restrictions

The official Lincoln County Public Comment Rules, adopted by Board Order #02-25-065, require only an in-person sign-in sheet for those wishing to speak and do not include:

• Online sign-up requirements

• Deadlines for the day before a meeting

• Double-registration for Zoom

• Separate or more restrictive procedures for “special” meetings

• Additional forms, portals, or digital steps

“Any change to public comment procedures should come before the Board for a public vote,” Miller said. “This is how we maintain and ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance with state law.”

Concerns About Short Notice and Limited Windows for Participation

Commissioner Miller also raised concern about the impact of these new requirements on meetings with minimal notice:

• A special meeting last Friday was announced just over 24 hours in advance.

• Because it was virtual-only, the community had only a few hours to sign up to speak.

• The agenda for this Wednesday’s meeting was updated as recently as last night.

“These conditions make it difficult for members of the public to follow county government, let alone participate,” Miller said. “Oregon’s public meetings laws require reasonable and accessible opportunities for public participation. We should be making it easier, not harder, for residents to engage.”

Call for Review and Corrective Action

Commissioner Miller is requesting the Board take the following steps:

1. Review and update the County’s Public Comment Rules to ensure all virtual participation procedures comply with Oregon law and are adopted through a public vote.

2. Adopt a transparency resolution establishing clear expectations for how and when meeting agendas are created and updated.

3. Commit to policies that support inclusion, freedom of speech, and timely access for all Lincoln County residents.

“Our community deserves public processes that are predictable, transparent, and welcoming,” Miller said. “Residents should not have to constantly refresh agendas or navigate evolving rules to participate in their own government.”

County Commission Chair Hall stated that this step would not be necessary if people didn't constantly abuse the rules. "This is to maintain order, fairness and consistency." During last Friday's virtual special meeting Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan did not sign up ahead of time to speak during public comment however during the meeting Vice Chair Commissioner Chuck made an exception. The board of commissioner meetings are held twice a month, the agenda can be viewed along with a way to participte online can be found on the Lincoln County website.