Oregon City Commissioners held an emergency meeting Sunday to reaffirm the city's support of Gov. Kate Brown's stay-home order. The move follows a strongly-worded letter Friday from Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, who warned Mayor Dan Holladay against reopening small businesses ahead of the governor's approval.
Rosenblum said she would consider civil and criminal penalties if Holladay decided to reopen businesses in defiance of the governor’s order.
“I send this letter in the hope that you will reconsider your approach without the need for more formal action. I remind you that there are significant legal repercussions for violating the governor’s order,” the letter reads.
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“The governor’s order is lawful, and that order remains in full force and effect. You do not have the authority to override the governor’s executive order ... in addition to putting your residents’ health at risk, you may be placing them in legal jeopardy.”
Willamette Week reports Mayor Holladay had spoken to several business owners and mayors across the state about leaning toward "making some kind of announcement."
Commissioners rebuked that notion Sunday, voting unanimously to maintain the governor’s executive order.
“At no time did the City Commission consider issuing a directive to open businesses or facilities within the City in defiance of the Governor’s Executive Orders,” Oregon City commissioners said in a statement Sunday.
“In addition, the Commission clarified that any discussions or meetings held, or directives issued, by a single member of the Commission is not the will of the Commission or the policy of the City.”
As businesses continue to face drastic losses due to the statewide shutdown, the commission announced it will consider a $200,000 small business debt relief grant Monday, which would provide up to $3,000 in funding to eligible Oregon City businesses.
Brown issued her stay-home order March 23rd, and is part of a Western States Pact with neighboring governors to strategize how to safely reopen.
