Investigation Report of Former Councilmember on Hold

The City of Oak Harbor has announced a hold on the release of an investigation report concerning a former councilmember, amidst rising public inquiries. The report was made available to current councilmembers on January 30, 2025, and subsequently sent to the subject of the investigation on February 18, 2025. In response to multiple public records requests, the City issued third-party notices to both the complainant and the subject, allowing for review and response. The complainant has waived their right to review the report, but the subject has yet to permit an unredacted release. As per regulations, the subject has until March 21, 2025, to file for an injunction, which could further delay access to the report.

Public Records Officer Nicole Bradley confirmed the City's readiness to release the report once authorization is granted. The City is dedicated to maintaining transparency while adhering to public records laws. This situation highlights the complexities surrounding public access to governmental records and the importance of legal frameworks in ensuring accountability.