Hundreds Of Oregon Municipalities Fail To File Financial Reports – KXL

Salem, Ore. – Oregon municipalities and public corporations are required to file annual financial reports with the state.  As of the end of the year, 238 entities were at least one year behind in filing.

“It’s a requirement because people need to have confidence that public dollars are being used correctly and that those municipalities are following the law,” says Oregon Secretary of State Tobias Read, “Essentially [it’s] a representation that the numbers are accurate.  They have to be reviewed by a CPA.”

He admits it’s tough for some entities to do it, and if an audit by a certified public accountant is necessary, there’s a cost, “These are often very small municipalities that don’t have a lot of people and a lot of resources.  I understand they have a lot of things going on, but it’s that rigor, that consistency that discipline really matters and that’s why we’re highlighting it.” He adds, “The fact that we had a lot of challenges through the COVID environment and the combination of that and a lack of adequate resources.” And, Read says, there are accommodations, “Sometimes, if it’s a smaller entity they can self-report that.  It’s a way of being transparent and if that doesn’t happen we need to hold them accountable.”

Not filing can affect an entities’ ability to service debt or get new debt.  School districts can lose funding from the Oregon Department of Education if they miss three years. Special service districts can be dissolved if they fail to file for three years.

Among those with missing reports in 2025: The cities of Albany and Sweet Home, and Baker County. Click HERE for the complete list.