The Multnomah County Commission discussed a proposed amendment to the Association of Oregon Counties (AOC) bylaws that would specify the county commission as the source for the AOC president's recommendation of an additional board member from counties with populations of 250,000 or more.

Michelle Rogelstad, budget and policy director for Commissioner Grama Edwards, presented the staff memo and the revised bylaw language that would replace the current text with wording indicating recommendations are to be "given by respective county commissions." Rogelstad told the board the amendment is intended to make clear that each county commission may exercise the authority consistent with its own charter, ordinance or internal process.

Commissioners debated the procedural and political implications. Commissioner Brehm Edwards said the proposed language empowers the commission and would reduce ambiguity about whether an individual (such as a chair) or the full commission is the source of the county's recommendation. Other commissioners expressed concern that the change could be unnecessary where a county already follows an established internal process and that it might be better to resolve county appointment rules internally rather than by an external association.

Board members also discussed related AOC changes under consideration at the annual meeting, including proposed limits on floor nominations for AOC officers and board seats (one option would require notice 24 hours before the candidates' forum). Supporters of the notice rule said it helps AOC staff run informed candidate forums and prevents last-minute nominations that leave delegates without information; opponents worried the change could reduce spontaneity for rural counties with longer travel requirements.

By the end of the session commissioners expressed a desire to present a unified county position to District 8 and to brief the other large counties (Clackamas and Washington) before the AOC annual vote. Commissioner Brehm Edwards said she would draft a brief memo that reflects the commission's position for transmission to the AOC president. Staff will follow up with district partners and return results of that coordination to the board.

What happened next: Commissioners agreed to coordinate their county position on the bylaw amendment, have Commissioner Brehm Edwards transmit a memo to the AOC president, and ensure Multnomah County representation at the AOC annual meeting.