Oregon Government Ethics Commission Annual Assessments
We recognize that many districts are concerned about the recent increases in the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) annual assessment fees. We understand the financial challenges this may pose and want to assure you that OGEC is committed to working with districts to the extent possible regarding the timing of these payments.
Each year, all state entities receive invoices from the OGEC. The fees are calculated based on the Annual Secretary of State Municipal Audit fees. These assessments can vary from biennium to biennium, depending on the number of entities subject to the Municipal Audit Fee in each fee level. This is determined by the expenditure activity of an entity as defined in ORS 297.485, and the Legislatively Approved Budget for the OGEC. These factors are used to determine the percentage rate applied in the assessment.
This biennium, OGEC’s budget increased by over 70% compared to the previous one. This significant increase is partly due to the passage of House Bill 2805 by Oregon Legislators, which granted OGEC the authority to enforce Public Meeting law where no jurisdiction previously existed. Additionally, this bill expanded OGEC’s staff from 9 to 15 members.
For more detailed information, you can visit the OGEC website and review the breakdown of the fee levels for this biennium:
Oregon Government Ethics Commission : Funding & Assessment Fees : About Us : State of Oregon