The City of Philomath uses three main tools to support good governance and serve our community: ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations. Each plays a distinct role in how decisions are made, policies are implemented, and celebrations or recognitions are shared.
What they are:
Ordinances are laws adopted by the City Council. They are used to regulate behavior, establish rules, and set forth requirements that carry the force of law within city limits.
Examples include:
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Zoning regulations
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Business licensing requirements
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Animal control laws
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Noise restrictions
How they work:
Ordinances typically require two readings during public City Council meetings before they are adopted. Once passed, ordinances become part of the Philomath Municipal Code.
Find an ordinance:
Visit our Municipal Code Library to search current city laws.
What they are:
Resolutions are formal decisions or expressions of intent by the City Council. They are often used to approve policies, adopt fee schedules, support plans, or express positions on broader issues.
Examples include:
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Adopting the annual City budget
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Approving contracts or grant applications
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Establishing public fees or rates
How they work:
Unlike ordinances, resolutions can be adopted in a single public meeting. While they do not carry the same legal weight as ordinances, they are binding in the context they apply.
What they are:
Proclamations are ceremonial documents issued by the Mayor to recognize special events, raise awareness, or honor individuals or groups making a positive impact on our community.
Examples include:
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Declaring Arbor Day in Philomath
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Honoring veterans or volunteers
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Recognizing local student achievements
Request a proclamation:
If you'd like to request a proclamation from the Mayor, please contact City Hall or fill out the Proclamation Request Form.
All ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations are recorded and archived by the City Recorder’s Office. To view recent or historical documents:
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Visit our Public Records Archive, or
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Contact the City Recorder at 541-929-6148 Ext. 5 or cityhall [at] philomathoregon.gov (cityhall[at]philomathoregon[dot]gov)