Josephine County commissioners say they “attempt” to post agendas online, but real transparency requires more than taped notices in a courthouse hallway.

Oregon’s Public Meetings Law ensures transparency by requiring public bodies to conduct business openly, give proper notice, and record all votes. Regular meetings typically require 48 hours’ notice, while 24 hours is allowed only in emergencies.

Despite this, the Josephine County Board of Commissioners states on its website that staff “attempts” to post agendas online as a courtesy, while meeting statutory requirements by posting notices on a courthouse window. This practice falls short in the digital age—especially given the thousands spent on the county’s website. State recommendations clearly encourage online posting to reach the widest audience.

Transparency and compliance require consistency in meeting times, locations, and agendas. Yet, the commissioners’ approach leaves room for doubt. Saying they intend to comply with the law is not the same as actually doing so.

If we want accountable government, our public officials must treat legal requirements as obligations—not optional courtesies.