Urban Renewal Board adopts agency public‑records policy, sets $25 hourly staff fee

City Attorney Jonathan Harris presented a draft public‑records policy and a companion resolution to the Urban Renewal Board and recommended the agency formally adopt its own policy and a fee schedule. Harris told the board the policy was modeled on the City of The Dalles and recommended a staff‑time fee of $25 per hour.

Harris said the agency historically relied on city administrative services and had handled requests under the city’s processes, but adopting an agency policy clarifies how the agency will manage public‑records requests and allows the agency to set an explicit fee. “I model it after the city of the Dallas' fee of $25 per staff hour spent,” City Attorney Jonathan Harris said.

Harris noted that state law requires the board to provide an opportunity for public comment when a new fee is prescribed; the chair solicited comment from the audience and no one spoke. Board Member Scott Hagee moved to adopt Resolution 25‑005 and Councilor Matthew McLaughlin seconded the motion. The board voted in favor; meeting minutes record the motion passed with no recorded opposing votes or abstentions.

The resolution establishes the agency’s public‑records policy and the $25 per hour fee for staff time spent responding to records requests. Harris said the policy defines what the agency considers public records, aligns with state law as discussed in the meeting, and provides an administrative framework for staff and the public to manage requests going forward.

Less critical details: Harris said adopting an agency policy was an “easy lift” administratively because it largely mirrors the city’s policy; he also said he reviewed citations to confirm they remain accurate.