May is a busy month. Youth sports, school activities, spring cleaning, and yard sales can quickly pack our weeknights and weekends.

But there are two Hermiston-specific events that happen every year and are fundamental to how this community works.

The first is budget season for the City of Hermiston. Each year, we develop an annual budget runs from July through the following June and accounts for all the revenue the city expects to collect and the programs and services our departments plan to deliver. A volunteer Budget Committee meets each May to review these figures and recommend a budget to the City Council for approval.

Some departments, like water, sewer, and streets, operate with dedicated funds to ensure these essential services are reliably maintained. Others, like police, library, and parks and recreation, are primarily funded through the General Fund, with more flexibility guided by the city’s long-term planning.

The Budget Committee meeting on May 14 is open to the public, and the recommended budget will be available for review ahead of the meeting. I'd encourage anyone interested in how the city works to review the budget and attend the meeting.

The other big event is "I Love My City" on Saturday, May 16. Volunteers from local churches and organizations take on service projects throughout the community. It’s always inspiring to see so many people in red T-shirts rolling up their sleeves and serving their city.

You can learn more and sign up here. Hope to see you out there.

Byron Smith,

Hermiston City Manager

P.S. If you are doing a little spring cleaning, make sure to take your recyclables to the Community Recycling Drop-Off at New Hope Community Church, as part of I Love My City. Learn more about what you can bring here.

Local Groups Propose Carnegie Building's Future

Hermiston is developing a plan to preserve its past while planning for its future — and is looking for your help.

The City Council is in the middle of reviewing a series of community-driven proposals for the historic Carnegie Library Building, a cornerstone of downtown since 1918. Now vacant with the opening of the renovated Hermiston Public Library and city offices moved to City Hall, the building presents a rare opportunity to reimagine a local landmark for modern community use.

The Council heard presentations for a hands-on learning center and arts center at its April 27 Council meeting and will hear from organizations interested in developing a museum and amateur radio hub at its May 11 meeting. Each proposal reflects a common theme heard in community feedback, that residents want the building preserved, accessible, and centered on Hermiston’s history and culture.

With $1 million in state-supported redevelopment funding already approved, the conversation is moving from vision to reality. Community members are encouraged to attend the Council work session on May 11 at 6 p.m. and provide feedback during the regular meeting.

Thank you to everyone who has participated so far, including those who completed a survey and have provided proposals and feedback. This decision won’t just shape a building — it will help define how Hermiston honors its history while serving the next generation.

Help Hermiston Defeat the Greasy Gus

To protect Hermiston’s wastewater system from costly clogs, backups, and damage, the City has launched a new Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Program for local businesses.

Food service establishments are the primary source of FOG and are required by ordinance to install approved grease removal equipment. Even businesses that don’t fry foods may still produce FOG through everyday food handling.

If your business handles food, staying compliant is straightforward: Register for the program, install and maintain a grease interceptor or indoor trap, don’t scrape food waste down the drain, and use licensed haulers to remove FOG.

Hermiston residents can follow the same basic steps to protect their own pipes and the city's wastewater system. Proper disposal of grease, oil, and foods is the key to preventing costly long-term damage.

Questions? Contact Jesus Perches at 541-667-5081 or jperches@hermiston.gov.

Ballots Due May 19 for Primary Election

Ballots for the May 19 primary election were mailed to Oregon voters at the end of April, and Hermiston residents are encouraged to return them in time to be counted. Ballots must be postmarked or dropped off by Election Day, May 19.

Voters have multiple options for returning their ballots. They can be mailed back through the postal service or placed in official drop boxes located at Hermiston City Hall, 180 NE 2nd St. (SE corner of the building by the parking lot); or Stafford Hansell Government Center, 915 SE Columbia Dr.

While ballots may vary depending on a voter’s registration, all residents within Hermiston city limits will have the opportunity to vote on all four Ward City Council seats in this election.

Ballots are collected and processed by the Umatilla County Elections Department. Initial election results will be released the evening of May 19, with additional updates to follow as ballots continue to be counted.

City Chat Coming to Kopacz

The quarterly City Chat with your local leaders will be on location at Kopacz Nursery & Florist (465 W. Theater Lane). Join us for an open-ended conversation and light refreshments. All you need to bring is your questions, ideas, feedback, or concerns.

Council Prepares City Charter Recommendations for Voters

The City of Hermiston is preparing to take the next step in potentially updating the City Charter, the foundational document that outlines how the City operates. It’s important to note that any changes to the Charter will ultimately be decided by Hermiston voters and are expected to appear on the November ballot.

A Charter Review Committee, led by seven residents, comprehensively reviewed the Charter and held a Town Hall on March 4. Based on its review and the public feedback it received, the committee has proposed several updates, grouped into four key areas:

Elections and Candidates

• Move specific ward boundaries out of the Charter and instead require the City Council to adopt boundaries by ordinance to keep populations balanced.
• Change how ward councilors are elected so they are chosen only by voters within their respective wards.



City Council Roles

• Transition the municipal court judge position from elected by the public to appointed by the elected City Council.
• Select the City Council president annually instead of every other year.

City Manager Responsibilities

• Allow newly hired city managers up to 12 months to establish residency within the city.
• Clarify that the city manager oversees the day-to-day supervision of the city attorney.

City Charter Maintenance

• Require a formal Charter review at least once every 10 years.
• Update language to better align with the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter.

Along with these recommendations, the City Council requested that City staff research the possibility of adding term limits for city councilors. The City Council will review the options at a future Council meeting.

City Council Meeting for April 27 (Watch the meeting)

• Approved an intergovernmental agreement to continue operating services at the Practical Assistance through Transitional Housing (PATH) program in partnership with local cities and Stepping Stones. (Staff report)
• Approved an IT contract with the West Extension Irrigation District for four hours of service per month. (Staff report)
• Approved a liquor license for Mi Bello Estado LLC at 425 W. Hermiston Ave.
• Accepted the deeds and authorized payment for a right of way by Good Shepherd and AAA Investments to begin the process of extending Northeast Aspen Drive from Northeast 4th Street to Highway 395 aligned with the Home Depot driveway. (Staff report)
• Received the monthly financial report. (Read the report)
• Approved rescheduling the City Council Meeting from Monday, May 25, 2026 to Tuesday, May 26, 2026 to avoid the Memorial Day holiday.
• Proclaimed May 7 as the National Day of Prayer.

City Council Meeting for April 13 (Watch the meeting)

• Approved Resolution 2418 authorizing staff to award contract to construct a realignment of the intersection at Northwest Geer Road, West Harper Avenue, and North 1^st Place. (Staff report)
• Approved Resolution 2419 authorizing participation in product liability litigation against manufacturers of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) manufacturers and related industries. (Staff report)
• Discussed potential changes to council stipend. No action taken. (Staff report)
• Scheduled hearing for May 11 on request to rename Airport Road. (Staff report)
• Approved liquor license application for Blue Agave Event Center, 1835 S. Hwy. 395. (OLCC review)
• Approved ground lease agreement with Windblown Ranch Inc. at Hermiston Municipal Airport. (Staff report)
• Authorized acceptance of relinquishment deed to certain rights of way to City of Hermiston from State of Oregon. (Staff report)
• Appointed Randall Gerard to Budget Committee; Dean Fialka and Tami Rebman, to Planning Commission; and Janizee Serrano to Hispanic Advisory Committee.
• Re-appointed Janizee Serrano to Planning Commission.

MAY 2026 MEETINGS

• Airport Advisory Committee, Wednesday, May 6, 4 p.m. at Hermiston Municipal Airport
• Solid Waste & Curbside Recycling Advisory Committee, Monday, May 11, 5:30 p.m., Hermiston City Hall
• City Council and Urban Renewal Agency, Monday, May 11, 6 p.m., Hermiston City Hall
• Planning Commission, Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m., Hermiston City Hall
• Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m., Community Center
• Budget Committee, Thursday, May 14, 5:30 p.m., Hermiston City Hall
• Hispanic Advisory Committee, May 19, 6 p.m., Hermiston City Hall
• City Council & Urban Renewal Agency, May 26, 6 p.m., Hermiston City Hall

The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the Budget, Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center Advisory, and Hispanic Advisory committees and the Library Board. Learn more and apply to join.

Enjoy the beautiful late spring weather with a plethora of local events in May. At the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center, don't miss:


• Hat Rock Hounds Rock and Gem Show (May 9-10)
• Bob Barrel Race (May 15-16)
• Desert Storm Horse Show (May 22-23)

And don't forget to add YOUR spring and summer events at Hermiston Live.

What's On This Summer?

Movies in the Park is returning to Butte Park in Summer 2026 and YOU get to choose what will hit the big screen.

Stop by Veg Out at 140 NE 2nd St. next to City Hall to cast your vote before May 13. Bring your friends, bring your family, and help us create the perfect lineup for Movies in the Park this year.

The free My Hermiston mobile app puts the City of Hermiston in the palm of your hand. Report issues, access city services, and get notifications directly to your phone.

Download My Hermiston on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Job Openings


• Summer Aquatic Center Staff
• Electrical Inspector

Every Second Matters for Survival

In 2025, UCFD#1 crews were credited with nine cardiac arrest saves, where patients were successfully resuscitated and later discharged from the hospital with no neurological deficits. While the nationwide survival average is approximately 9-10%, UCFD#1 exceeded that benchmark, achieving a save rate of more than 14%.

One of those saves began on the far east side of the District, in the middle of a farm field. A person collapsed, and the people around them did not hesitate. CPR was started immediately, providing critical care in the moments before crews arrived and giving that patient a chance.

When UCFD#1 paramedics arrived, they brought a fast, coordinated response and the training to take over. Care continued seamlessly in the field. The patient was resuscitated on scene, transported by Life Flight, and ultimately discharged from the hospital.

This is what survival looks like. Early CPR. Rapid response. Highly trained paramedics delivering care when it matters most. During a cardiac arrest, every second matters and every action plays a role in giving our community members the chance to go home again.

Move Your Way — No Pressure, Just Fun

Join UCo Health’s 5K Fun Run & Walk at Riverfront Park in Hermiston! 

The run starts at 11 a.m., registration is free, and the first 50 participants score swag bags. 

You don’t have to be an athlete, just bring your friends, family, and good energy. Enjoy a day of fitness, food, music, games, and community spirit. Lace up and show up! 

Scan the QR code to register and be part of it.