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NOVEMBER 2025 |
New Service Request Tool is Live |
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I’m excited to share some information about a new app the City of Hermiston is launching this month to make it easier than ever to stay connected with your local government. The My Hermiston mobile app is a two-way tool that allows you to submit requests to the city, and for the city to share relevant information with you.
Here's how it works: Once you download the app, you can report non-emergency issues like potholes, broken streetlights, or utility concerns right from your phone. There's an option to add a photo and location so we can understand the issue and assign the right department. You can submit a request anytime, then track its progress and get real-time updates as city crews respond.
The app will also help you stay informed about what’s happening around Hermiston. You can sign up to receive alerts about road closures, upcoming events, and emergencies. |
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Our goal with My Hermiston is to create stronger and more efficient two-way communication between residents and the City. It’s a one-stop app that will help keep our community looking its best and give you a heads-up on things happening in the city.
I encourage you to download the My Hermiston app today from the App Store or Google Play, create a free account, and see how easy it is to connect with your city.
— Byron Smith, Hermiston City Manager
P.S. If you're really not into apps, you can also submit service requests directly from the city website at www.hermiston.gov/myhermiston |
| Download My Hermiston from Apple Store |
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| Download My Hermiston from Google Play |
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YOUR CITY |
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Life Saving Equipment Installed at Three Parks
The City of Hermiston and Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation have teamed up to make life saving equipment available at local recreation sites. Three new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) were installed on October 28 at the Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex, Funland Playground, and HEROS Sportsplex, funded by a $7,500 Good Shepherd Foundation grant.
Hermiston is the first city in Umatilla County to install AEDs in secure outdoor cabinets, giving residents faster access during emergencies. “Having these AEDs in our busiest parks brings peace of mind to our community,” said Parks & Recreation Director Brandon Artz.
“In an emergency, every second counts,” added UCFD #1 Paramedic Jessica Marcum. “Early CPR and defibrillation save lives.”
Good Shepherd also offers AED, CPR, and first aid training for community members. |
| Read More About AEDs |
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Hermiston is Committed to Protecting Water Quality
The Hermiston Water Department places the highest priority on ensuring residents have access to safe, clean drinking water. To maintain exceptional water quality, the department conducts rigorous weekly testing that follows guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA).
Hermiston’s water is regularly analyzed for more than 100 potential contaminants, including bacteria, salts, metals, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive materials. In 2023 and 2024, the City tested for Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), an emerging class of contaminants beginning to be monitored nationwide.
The 2024 report showed Hermiston’s water system is in full compliance with federal and state requirements. One type of PFAS, known as perfluorooctane sulfonate, was found at levels above the maximum containment level of 4 parts per trillion. Hermiston's levels were largely in-line with many other large water utilities, which you can view for yourself on the national PFAS testing map at ewg.org. This map is being built out as utilities submit testing results, so it doesn't include information from many smaller communities that have not yet been required to test.
While drinking water — including bottled water — can contain trace amounts of some contaminants, their presence does not necessarily indicate a health risk. The city uses testing data, along with guidance from the EPA and OHA, to identify and address any needed remediation and to plan for future infrastructure improvements.
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Library Adds Local Art
The renovated Hermiston Public Library is now open, with new spaces for children and teens, quiet workspaces, and local art displays. Stop by to see these pieces from Hiroko Cannon and Arlen Clark. |
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Final Bond Payment on Aquatic Center
This year marks the final payment on the bond that funded construction of the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center. Since opening in 2004, the facility has been a community asset supported through property taxes.
This year’s payment was $0.0171 per $1,000 of assessed value, which was a decrease from prior years as it covered the remainder of the bond. Hermiston taxpayers will notice the decrease on their statements.
Beginning in 2026, this bond levy will no longer appear on local property tax bills and the overall City tax rate for Hermiston residents will decrease again.
Thanks to the this investment from Hermiston residents, the aquatic center provides a safe, fun swimming environment for more than 80,000 visitors each summer and brings families from across the region to our community. |
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The Hermiston Pickleball Story
The Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex at Theater Sports Park has quickly become a favorite spot for people of all ages. This video, which debuted at the Oct. 27 City Council meeting, shows how a dedicated group of volunteers and the community at large rallied together to make the courts a reality.
Garbage and Recycling Services Update
There are two changes coming from Sanitary Disposal Inc. and the State of Oregon that may affect your curbside garbage and recycling services in the coming year.
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The first is curbside recycling. Hermiston and other Oregon cities with more than 4,000 residents will be required by state law to provide this service. It was originally slated to begin in July 2025, but delays from the State of Oregon have pushed this out to 2026. The City is currently working with Sanitary Disposal Inc. to develop the program and purchase vehicles. Details will be posted on the City website.
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The second is changes to collection days for some residents. Sanitary Disposal Inc. has announced that, effective Dec. 1, they will be updating collection route days. For questions regarding your service please call 541-567-8842 (Ext. 3) or visit sanitary-disposal.com.
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Did you know: You can find quick answers to your questions about City services — including garbage, utilities, parks and more — by using Ask Hermiston. |
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Remembering Ed Brookshier
On a somber note, former Hermiston City Manager Ed Brookshier passed away in October. Ed served as Hermiston City Manager for more than two decades and guided the community through tremendous growth and transition from 1991 to 2014. We appreciate everything Ed did to make Hermiston a place where life is sweet. (Read remembrances from friends and colleagues in the East Oregonian)
In the News
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Data Center Growth: Amazon-backed water upgrades, land annexation plans, and tech-training pipelines are positioning Hermiston to keep capturing investment — fueling jobs, housing, and infrastructure as AI demand surges. (Read the full story in the Wall Street Journal)
- UCFD1 Grant: A $20,000 grant from the Good Shepherd Community Health Foundation is helping Umatilla County Fire District #1 upgrade emergency care with six state-of-the-art video laryngoscopes, which help paramedics manage airways and save lives. (Read the full story at Northeast Oregon Now)
- Police Training Complete: Hermiston Police Department sergeants Riley Studebaker and Shelly Studebaker have completed training programs at the Institute of Law Enforcement Administration at the Center for American and International Law in Plano, Texas. (Read the full story in the Hermiston Herald)
- Housing Developments Opening Up: The Chamber of Commerce will be partnering with local real estate agents to showcase new homes and developments in the month of November. (Read the full story in the Hermiston Herald)
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CITY COUNCIL REPORT |
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Council Approves BPA Power Agreement Through 2044 |
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The Hermiston City Council unanimously approved a resolution on Oct. 27 authorizing a new wholesale power purchase agreement between Hermiston Energy Services (HES) and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).
The agreement extends HES’s long-standing partnership with BPA and secures a reliable, cost-based power supply for Hermiston customers through 2044. HES currently receives all of its power from BPA under a contract that began in 2011 and is set to expire in 2028. The new agreement ensures continuity of service and positions the city’s community-owned electric utility to continue providing affordable, dependable energy well into the future.
Because HES is a consumer-owned utility, it receives preferential access to BPA resources, including power from the federal hydroelectric system. As a result, Hermiston customers pay lower rates than those served by investor-owned utilities elsewhere in the state and country.
The updated contract reflects years of collaboration between BPA and its public power customers across the Northwest to develop a durable, forward-looking framework for power service. |
| More About Hermiston Energy Services |
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Monday, Oct. 27 Meeting Recap (watch the meeting)
Monday, Oct. 13 Meeting Recap (watch the meeting)
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Directed City staff to identify potential $250,000 in spending cuts to General Fund departments for consideration at a future meeting in order to cover increased spending for public defense services and retain misdemeanor case jurisdiction within the Hermiston Municipal Court. (Read the article)
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Recognized the contributions to the City of Hermiston by late City Manager Ed Brookshier with a public proclamation. (Read the proclamation)
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Received a presentation from the Hermiston School District.
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Received a presentation from Walk with Purpose, a local drug rehabilitation nonprofit.
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Approved a liquor license for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
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Confirmed appointment of Zaira Sanchez to the Library Board.
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Approved final plats for two properties.
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Received a report on the City's communications efforts and engagement.
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NOVEMBER 2025 MEETINGS |
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Tuesday, Nov. 4, 4 p.m. — Faith-Based Advisory Committee
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Wednesday, Nov. 5, 4 p.m. — Airport Advisory Committee
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Thursday, Nov. 6, 5:30 p.m. — EOTEC Committee
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Monday, Nov. 10, 5:30 p.m. — Public Finance Committee
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Monday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. — City Council & Urban Renewal Agency
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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m. — Charter Review Committee
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Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m. — Planning Commission
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Thursday, Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m. — Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee
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Monday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m. — Hispanic Advisory Committee
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Wednesday, Nov. 19, 5 p.m. — Library Board
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Monday, Nov. 24, 6 p.m. — City Council & Urban Renewal Agency
The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the Budget, Faith-Based, Recreation Projects Fund, Parks & Recreation, Airport, and EOTEC committees. Learn more and apply to join. |
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COMING UP |
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Here Come the Holidays |
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Mark your calendars for the annual Downtown Tree Lighting Celebration and Lighted Parade on Festival Street in downtown Hermiston. There are lots of ways to enjoy the evening:
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Enjoy live music and vendors starting at 4:45 p.m.
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Join the Lighted Parade (sign up before Dec. 3)
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Cheer on Santa as he lights the tree at 6:15 p.m.
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Do some Christmas shopping at downtown businesses on First Thursday
Also coming in December, it's the Land of Lights at EOTEC and our community-wide home decoration contest. Follow the Land of Lights Facebook page for more to come.
And, as always, if you have a community event you want to share, visit Hermiston Live to post it for all to see! |
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| Hermiston Live |
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SURVEY |
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What to do with Misdemeanors? |
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The City of Hermiston is working to determine the best way to provide services through the Hermiston Municipal Court. Please take a minute to take this three-question survey to share your opinion. |
| Take the Municipal Court Survey |
Carnegie Library Survey Update
There are two weeks left in our Carnegie Library Building survey, and with more than 175 responses we're seeing that preserving the facility is a high priority for the community. If you haven't taken the survey yet online or in person, please take a minute to do so! |
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NEWS & NOTES |
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Candidate Filing
Job Openings
Bids & RFPs
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