Chapter 3.74 Oaths of Office

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 180917 and 189635, effective August 31, 2019.)

1. Each of the following employees shall be required to take an oath of office, which oath shall be subscribed by the person taking it and shall be filed and preserved in the office of the City Auditor;
    
   1. Every officer and member of the Bureau of Police, including temporary, and reserve officers;
       
   2. Parking code enforcement supervisors and officers;
       
   3. Each officer and member of Portland Fire & Rescue serving full time and devoting labor exclusively to the interests of the City;
       
   4. Each elected City official;
       
   5. The City Attorney and every deputy City Attorney; and
       
   6. Each deputy City Auditor who administers oaths.
       
2. The City Council or a City board or commission may require the members of the board or commission to take an oath of office. If an oath of office is required, the Council or the board or commission shall establish requirements for the form, administration, and filing of the oath.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 168343 and 189635, effective August 31, 2019.)  The form of oath to be taken by the elected officials of the City, after receiving a certificate of election from the City Elections Officer and before entering upon the discharge of their duties, shall be substantially as follows:

I , (name), do solemnly (affirm or swear) that I will support the Constitutions of the United States and of the State of Oregon and the Charter of the City of Portland and its laws; I will faithfully, honestly and ethically perform my duties as (Mayor/Commissioner/City Auditor); I have no undisclosed financial interest in any business located in Portland or having contracts with the City; I hold no other office or position of profit; and I am not a member of any committee of any political party.

Additional language may be added for ceremonial purposes but shall not be considered part of the official oath of office.

(Amended by Ordinance Nos. 139501, 168343 and 189635, effective August 31, 2019.)  The form of oath to be taken by non-elected City employees, before entering upon the discharge of their duties or as soon as possible thereafter, shall be substantially as follows:

I, (name), do solemnly (affirm or swear) that I will support the Constitutions of the United States and of the State of Oregon and the Charter of the City of Portland and its laws; and I will faithfully, honestly and ethically perform my duties as (office).

Additional language may be added for ceremonial purposes but shall not be considered part of the official oath of office.

(Added by Ordinance No. 189635, effective August 31, 2019.) When an oath is required by this Chapter:

1. The oath may be administered by the City Auditor, a deputy City Auditor, a notary public, or a judge or magistrate of any court of record in the United States, within their respective jurisdictions.
    
2. Oaths shall be in writing and signed by the persons taking and administering the oath. Whenever the oath is administered by a person other than the City Auditor or a deputy City Auditor, the credentials of the person administering the oath shall appear on the document, and the oath shall be sent immediately to the City Auditor.