If you need an example of how Hermiston residents play a role in the way our city operates, look no further than the Hermiston City Charter.

The Charter is essentially our city's constitution, establishing how our local government operates. Over the past year, residents have helped shape its future by serving on the citizen-led Charter Review Committee, sharing their perspectives at a public town hall, and ultimately casting their ballots this week.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3, Hermiston voters approved updates to the City Charter, with preliminary results showing 55% in support of the changes. Once the results are certified, the City will begin implementing changes to local elections, leadership responsibilities, and future Charter reviews. (You can read about these changes on the city website).

This process is a reminder that local government belongs to everyone. By asking questions, sharing ideas, making counterpoints, volunteering, and voting, you help shape Hermiston's future.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate and make their voice heard.

Byron Smith

Hermiston City Manager

P.S. The Umatilla County Elections Department is in charge of counting and certifying elections. You can see the results on the county website.

Honoring Fordices' 32 Years of Service to Hermiston Seniors

For more than three decades, Willard and Judy Fordice have been the heart of the Hermiston Senior Center, volunteering to support meals, activities, transportation, daily operations, and in 2018 transitioning programs to the Harkenrider Center.

In appreciation of their extraordinary dedication, the Hermiston City Council voted Oct. 26 to name the Board Room at the Harkenrider Activity Center the Fordice Meeting Hall.

The recognition celebrates a legacy of volunteerism and the countless friendships and connections the couple has helped build in Hermiston's senior community.

Quick-Thinking Lifeguards Make Aquatic Center Rescue

Three Hermiston Family Aquatic Center lifeguards were recognized at the City Council meeting on Oct. 26 for their quick response to a medical emergency this summer. When a patron lost consciousness while coming down a waterslide, Mason Miracle, Hunter Link, and Daniel Faaeteete worked together to bring her to safety and provide emergency care.

The patron, Carole Driscoll, made a full recovery and attended the Council meeting to see the lifeguards recognized for their actions.

Horizon Park Celebrates Grand Opening

A little rain didn’t dampen the celebration as the City of Hermiston officially dedicated Horizon Park on Oct. 22, marking the completion of several years of improvements to the neighborhood green space.

The park began taking shape in 2023 when volunteers participating in the "I Love My City" event transformed a sandy lot into a grassy neighborhood park in just two hours. In 2024, Amazon and the Arbor Day Foundation helped plant trees that will eventually provide shade throughout the park.

This year, a playground and half-court basketball court were added to finish the job.

The improvements have transformed Horizon Park into a gathering place for the neighborhood where families can play and neighbors can connect.

"These are the kinds of everyday experiences that make investments in parks worthwhile," Parks and Recreation Director Brandon Artz told those gathered for the ribbon cutting. "This is your park. Use it, enjoy it. Bring your kids here, walk the loop, shoot hoops, meet your neighbors."

Eagle Scout Builds Flag Retirement Box for City Hall

Hermiston residents now have a place to properly retire U.S. flags thanks to Eagle Scout Thomas Greenough.

Thomas designed and built a flag retirement box for the City of Hermiston as part of his Eagle Scout project and presented it to the City Council on Sept. 14.

The box is located in the lobby of City Hall at 180 NE 2nd St.



Community members are invited to bring worn or damaged U.S. flags to City Hall and place them in the box for proper retirement. Boy Scout Troop 654 will regularly collect the flags and respectfully retire them in a ceremony that follows the U.S. Flag Code.

Treats on Main 2026

Thank you to all the local businesses that made Treats on Main & Beyond a special event for families in Downtown Hermiston.

Property Tax Statements Are Here. Where Does Your Money Go?

Property tax statements are arriving in mailboxes across Hermiston, though understanding how they are calculated and where your money goes isn't always easy. Why did your bill change? How much goes to the City? Do large data centers pay property taxes?

We've put together a simple guide answering these questions and explaining how property taxes support local services, how rates are determined, and where other funding comes from.

Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule Changes

Sanitary Disposal will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day this year to allow employees to spend the holidays with their families.

During Thanksgiving week, Thursday's garbage collection will move to Friday, Nov. 27, and Friday's collection will move to Saturday, Nov. 28.

During Christmas week, Friday's collection will move to Saturday, Dec. 26. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead for these schedule changes. Sanitary Disposal will also share reminders through social media and its voicemail system as the holidays approach.

In the News


• The City of Hermiston is working with Umatilla County and the City of Umatilla to push back against Gov. Tina Kotek's data center moratorium. (Listen to the interview)
  
• Festival of Trees planning is underway for 2026 event (Read more on Northeast Oregon Now)
  
• Curbside recycling becoming routine three months after implementation. (Read more on Northeast Oregon Now)
  
• Hermiston Council awards contract for development of Sherman Park (Read more on Hermiston Herald)

Council Approves Next Steps for Aquatic & Wellness Center

The Hermiston City Council voted to move forward with the next phase of planning for the proposed Health, Aquatics and Wellness Center. The decision approves further study of construction costs, operations and potential partnerships before making a final decision on the project. Current construction estimates are around $60 million.

The proposed facility would provide year-round indoor swimming, fitness, recreation and wellness opportunities at the site of the existing Hermiston Family Aquatic Center. A community survey conducted during the summer and previous public planning efforts have indicated a year-round aquatic and wellness center is one of the community’s top priorities.

The Council's decision does not authorize construction. The next phase will help determine whether the project is financially and operationally feasible.

City Council Meeting for October 26, 2026 (Watch the meeting)

• Approved a contract with Silver Creek Contracting for primary site work on Sherman Park for $247,220. (Read the staff report)
• Approved an ordinance requiring local ballot initiatives to be filed by a Hermiston resident. (Read the staff report)
• Approved a contract with Bolen Construction to build a half-mile of new roadway on Jennie Avenue between Northeast 8^th Place and Northeast 10^th Street for $692,835, funded through a Local Improvement District. (Read the staff report)
• Approved an updated agreement with the Port of Umatilla for IT services.
• Proclaimed the 100-year anniversary of the removal of the Black Exclusion Clause from the Oregon Constitution.
• Recognized lifeguards Mason Miracle, Hunter Link, and Daniel Faaeteete for a rescue at the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center in August 2026.
• Recognized Willard and Judy Fordice for their contributions to the Hermiston Senior Center.
• Appointed Hailey Beckwith to the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center Advisory Committee and Jigish S. Patel to the Recreation Fund Advisory Committee.
• Reappointed Lori Davis to the Budget Committee and Dan Burns to the Airport Advisory Committee.
• Received a monthly financial report and quarterly investment report from the City finance department. (Read the Investment Report) (Read the Financial Report)

City Council Meeting for October 12, 2026 (Watch the meeting)

• Approved rezoning property on Northeast 4^th Street to a Neighborhood Commercial Overlay to build multi-family housing. (Read the staff report)
• Received an update on the City Council’s annual goals (Read the report)

NOVEMBER 2026 MEETINGS

• Airport Advisory Committee, Nov. 4, 4 p.m., Hermiston Municipal Airport
• City Council, Nov. 9, 7 p.m., City Hall
• Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m., Community Center
• Planning Commission, Nov. 12, 7 p.m., City Hall
• Hispanic Advisory Committee, Nov. 17, 6 p.m., City Hall
• City Council, Nov. 23, 7 p.m., City Hall
• Library Board, Nov. 25, 5 p.m., Hermiston Public Library

The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center Advisory Committee, Faith-Based Advisory Committee, and Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee. Learn more and apply to join.

Community Event Honors Veterans on November 11

Join Hermiston Parks & Recreation for our annual Veterans Day Breakfast as we honor and thank those who have served our country. All veterans, active-duty service members, and their families are invited to enjoy a complimentary breakfast.

📅 Wednesday, November 11

🕗 8:00 AM

📍 Hermiston Community Center

Free Admission

Please call (541) 667-5018 to reserve your spot.

Looking for Hermiston's Most Festive Homes and Businesses

Help transform Hermiston into the North Pole of Eastern Oregon this holiday season. Residents and businesses are invited to enter the 2026 Land of Lights Home & Business Decoration Contest for a chance to win great prizes and become part of a community-wide holiday light experience.

Participating properties will be featured on an interactive map, encouraging families and visitors to explore the displays throughout Hermiston during the month of December. Enter your home before Dec. 6 and the winners will be announced Dec. 12 at the Cocoa and Carols Holiday Market at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center.

Accepting Donations for Christmas Express

This is your chance to help make the holidays a little brighter for local families. Each year, Christmas Express provides gifts and holiday meals to Hermiston families in need, bringing a little extra joy to children throughout the community.

You can donate new, unwrapped toys for children ages 11 and younger. Donations can be dropped off at the Hermiston Police Department through Dec. 14. Every donated toy helps make sure more local children have something special waiting for them this holiday season.

Share Your Thoughts on Downtown Hermiston's Future

The City of Hermiston is partnering with Downtown Strategies to develop a five-year action plan focused on practical, achievable steps that will strengthen Downtown Hermiston and create a more vibrant city center and community hub.

Please take a few minutes to share their ideas through this community survey. Log on to share your perspective before Nov. 18!

Job Openings

• The Hermiston Senior Center is seeking an Administrative Manager/Bookkeeper to help lead daily operations and programs. Send a letter of interest to parksandrec@hermiston.gov or bring to the Hermiston Senior Center. Call 541-567-3582 for more information.
  
• The City of Hermiston is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Utility Worker. Salary range $53,580-$84,204 per year depending on experience and certifications. Learn more on the City website.

Drinking Water Road Map Ready for Review

On Oct. 19, the Morrow-Umatilla Counties Drinking Water Road Map steering committee had their final meeting for the project. This meeting was to receive final feedback from steering committee members on the draft Action Plan which will provide information and guidance for how decision-makers can inform their choices when evaluating drinking water solutions for high nitrate wells. 

This plan does not direct which actions need to be taken but provides a menu of options and describes the pros, cons, and difficulties that each solution will likely face. A one-size-fits-all approach is not advisable due to the size and the variability of the area and the different desires of individual property owners. 

A final action plan will be presented to the Umatilla County Board of Commissioners in November or December. More information about this project and related documents can be found at DrinkingWaterRoadmap.org.