Oregon Constitution "ARTICLE VI ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT"
Oregon Constitution – Article VI: ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENT
Article VI of the Oregon Constitution governs the administrative framework of counties—outlining how county officers are selected, their duties, and how counties may govern themselves.
🔹 Key Provisions and Sections:
§1. County Officers
Specifies that each county must elect:
A County Judge
A County Clerk
A Sheriff
A County Treasurer
An Assessor
A Surveyor
A Coroner
The Legislative Assembly may allow for other officers and abolish or combine offices as needed.
§2. Election and Term of Office
County officers are elected by the voters of the county.
Their terms of office are four years, unless changed by law.
§3. Powers and Duties
The powers and duties of county officers are to be defined by law.
This allows the Oregon Legislature to assign or modify the responsibilities of these roles over time.
§4. Removal or Consolidation of Offices
Permits the Legislature or counties themselves (through home rule charters) to:
Abolish county offices
Consolidate offices
Assign duties to other officers or county courts
§10. County Home Rule
Allows counties to adopt charters for home rule (self-government).
A county with a home rule charter can:
Create or eliminate offices
Determine structures for local governance
Exercise authority over local matters, similar to home rule cities.
🔸 Summary:
Article VI gives counties significant flexibility in how they are organized and administered, especially if they adopt home rule charters. It ensures that:
Local government remains responsive and adaptable.
The Legislature maintains oversight but can delegate power.
Counties have the power to restructure themselves to meet local needs.
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