Help Us Understand Hermiston's Broadband Needs

FEBRUARY 2026

Time to Check Those Connections

The cities of Hermiston and Umatilla are assessing the need for broadband infrastructure that could allow all households, businesses, and organizations to have access to reliable, competitive broadband internet.

Citywide broadband infrastructure will enable internet service providers to expand their services to currently underserved areas — improving economic, educational and quality of life opportunities for local residents and businesses.

Hermiston and Umatilla are gathering community input through an internet needs study, the Broadband eCheckup, to help plan for faster, more reliable internet service across the cities.

In a similar study performed in 2022, more than 97% of participating households responded that they will use the internet the same or more effectively in the future.

Results like these demonstrate need and provide validation for our community to take the next step to expand our digital infrastructure and ensure that reliable, competitive broadband is available to all.

We are asking all residents and business owners to participate in the process through an online research study called the Household eCheckup and the Business eCheckup.

We need your input on this important matter!

The research study will be open until Feb. 17. Each questionnaire takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

Everyone’s voice counts! Please take the opportunity to help shape this project by sharing your opinion with us.

— Nate Rivera,

Hermiston Energy Services

Take the Survey

YOUR CITY

Food Vendors, Public Safety, and a Level Playing Field

The City of Hermiston has been working to address the issue of food vendors operating without licenses or health inspections. The issue became more noticeable during the summer and fall of 2025, when some vendors began operating late at night from tents or vehicles.

The primary concern of the City and Umatilla County Health Department is public health and safety, as well as creating a town where businesses are treated equally and fairly.

Without inspections, there is no way to verify that food is stored, prepared, and served at safe temperatures or that proper sanitation practices are being followed. Uninspected food poses a potential risk to both customers and the community. It also penalizes businesses that take the proper steps to open and run a food business, whether mobile or brick and mortar.

During the Jan. 27 City Council meeting, City staff explained that Hermiston and other cities in the region are having difficulty managing the issue due to gaps in existing regulations. Council members discussed how to best address the issue while continuing to support entrepreneurship. Ideas ranged from prioritizing education and outreach to ensuring fair and consistent enforcement for all businesses. (Read more in the Hermiston Herald)

The Council directed staff to return with proposed amendments to the City’s nuisance code that would provide clearer tools to address unpermitted food vendors, while continuing to support licensed and compliant mobile food businesses.

We value community input as we move forward. Residents are encouraged to attend the City Council Meeting on Feb. 23 at City Hall to share their thoughts and help shape a balanced approach that protects public health while supporting local opportunity.

Hermiston Officers Complete Training and Certification

The Hermiston Police Department is proud to welcome back officers Cody Sherman and Natalie Cazares, who graduated Jan. 30 from the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training after completing the 16-week Basic Police Academy. During the academy, Officer Sherman served as a member of the Honor Guard and Officer Cazares earned the Outstanding Health & Physical Fitness Award, recognizing her exceptional physical conditioning, health, and survival skills. (Follow Hermiston PD on Facebook.)

Anniversary Patch Supports Guardian Care Center

To honor the 250th anniversary of the founding of our nation and support a vital local resource, the Hermiston Police Department has created a special commemorative department patch and matching magnet. All proceeds will be donated to the Guardian Care Center, Umatilla County’s child advocacy center.

A $10 donation includes one commemorative patch and one magnet. Purchase at Hermiston City Hall, or by using the QR codes in the image above. Businesses interested in bulk orders can contact Capt. Robert Guerrero at rguerrero@hermiston.gov or 541-667-5098.

New Notification Options on My Hermiston App

The My Hermiston app is a two-way communication tool for Hermiston residents to request public services for things like broken streetlights, potholes, or issues at parks and to receive notifications directly from the City.

Users can now sign up for the notifications they want to see, including:

City & Community Events
City News Releases
City Surveys
Inside Hermiston newsletter
Job Announcements
Police Department
Road & Utility Advisories
Upcoming Meetings
Chamber of Commerce Alerts.

Choose your notifications by selecting the menu button on the upper-left hand corner of the app, selecting Notifications, and then choosing the Settings button from the the upper-right hand corner.

Filing Deadline and Candidate Forum

Four of Hermiston's City Council seats are up for election in 2026 for a four-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027. These are ward seats, meaning the candidate must live within the area of Hermiston they are representing (see the ward map). The filing deadline is Tuesday, March 10 at 5 p.m. and the election will be Tuesday, May 19 (learn more about the election and how to file).

Mark your calendar for Tuesday, April 16 at 6 p.m. when the candidates for the Hermiston City Council have been invited to share why they are running and their vision for Hermiston. The forum will be at Hermiston City Hall, 180 NE 2nd St.

More news ...

In January, the federal government approved $665,000 to the City of Hermiston to purchase and install two backup generators on Hermiston’s Regional Water System (RWS), operated by the City and Port of Umatilla. The RWS supplies water to industry and Hermiston’s 20,000 residents, but currently has no power alternative in case of an outage. These generators will ensure current users and future industrial clients will have reliable water supplies in an emergency. (Read more at Apple Valley News Now)
Hermiston Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan was appointed to Oregon’s Economic Development Strategy Advisory Committee, which will work to reform the state’s economic image, regulatory structures, and attract investment and growth. (Learn more about the Committee)
Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan spoke at length with Dan Thesman on the KUMA Coffee Hour on Monday, Feb. 2 (Listen online)

UMATILLA COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT #1 CORNER

Get 'Fully Involved' with the Umatilla County Fire District #1

Did you know Umatilla County Fire District #1 has its very own podcast? Listen to Fully Involved as Chief Scott Stanton breaks down important topics surrounding District happenings, the vital programs and services we provide, and important updates that affect our community. Follow along on YouTube and Spotify!

CITY COUNCIL REPORT

Hermiston Advances Two New RV Parks at EOTEC

At its Jan. 26 meeting, the Hermiston City Council approved resolutions advancing development of two new RV parks at the Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center (EOTEC) to support regional events, workforce needs, and economic activity.

One resolution approved the annexation, comprehensive plan amendments, and zoning changes for approximately 20 acres at 1835 E. Airport Road to allow development of a South RV park. The site will support long-term stays, including housing for construction workers, and will connect to City services.

A second resolution awarded a construction contract for a North RV park on the EOTEC campus to support event-related camping during large events such as the Umatilla County Fair and Farm-City Pro Rodeo. Amazon Web Services has committed $8 million toward RV space construction in exchange for guaranteed access to up to 100 spaces for its construction workforce, with standard rental rates applying.

Authorized the installation of five stop signs, including two at SE 8th St. and Cassen Ct./E Tamarack (see map) and three at the intersection of SE 10th St. and SE Columbia Dr. (see map). A request for the stop signs on SE 8th St. was made by a citizen through the My Hermiston app. (Read the staff report)
Adopted the revised Public Works Standards, Technical Specifications, and Standard Drawings Manual.
Renewed an agreement to provide IT services with the Oregon Trail Library District which was first signed in February 2023.
Discussed potential code amendments regulating temporary food vendors, which will come to the City Council on Feb. 23.
Received the December 2025 financial report.

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

Approved an update to the Master Fee Schedule, adjusting water and sewer rates as well as industrial sewer billing practices. Water and sewer utility rates for 2026 will go up 2.34% — or about $2.72 for the median residential customer — consistent with the City's policy of annual adjustments tied to inflation. The City bases these changes on the three-year average of the Engineering News-Record Construction Cost Index to ensure stable and predictable rates for covering the cost of system maintenance. The resolution also changed industrial sewer user billing to the highest monthly sample rather than the average, which will align charges to treatment costs and protect other ratepayers. (Read the article)
Reviewed a resolution to install new stop signs at SE 8th and SE 10th, and asked city staff to review the need for additional signs and bring the resolution back to the Jan. 26 meeting.
Received a report on the Council Goals for 2025. (See the goal tracking)
Appointed Helen Nevin to the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee and Recreation Projects Fund Advisory Committee.

FEBRUARY 2026 MEETINGS

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 4 p.m. — Airport Advisory Committee
Thursday, Feb. 5, 5:30 p.m. — Eastern Oregon Trade & Event Center Committee
Monday, Feb. 9, 6 p.m. — Public Infrastructure Advisory Committee
Monday, Feb. 9, 7 p.m. — Hermiston City Council
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. — Planning Commission
Thursday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m. — Hispanic Advisory Committee
Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m. — Hermiston City Council
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 5 p.m. — Library Board

The City of Hermiston is currently seeking members for the Budget Committee, Airport Advisory Committee, and Hispanic Advisory Committee. Learn more and apply to join.

COMING UP

Save the date for our Annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday, March 21. Tickets will be available on February 10 at 6 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center! Tickets go fast, so make sure to sign up early.

In-person registration for summer swim lessons will be held Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hermiston Community Center.

A variety of levels and times are available, but spots go fast. Complete the pre-registration checklist to make sure your information is up to date and add any family members at hermistonrecreation.com .

For account assistance, call 541-667-5018 before Feb. 7 or find out what level you should register for at https://www.hermiston.gov/parksrec/page/swim-lessons

More February Events

Hermiston Education Foundation Auction & Banquet, Feb. 7 at 5 p.m.
Hermiston Chamber Speed Networking Luncheon, Feb. 18 at 11 a.m.
Hermiston Gun Club Crab Feed, Feb. 21 at 5-9 p.m.
Hermiston High School Theater Presents: GREASE, Feb. 20-21, 27-28
Vivela Banda Tour 2026 at EOTEC, Feb. 22 at 4-11:45 p.m.

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SURVEY

**How Are You Enjoying Inside Hermiston?**

We launched the Inside Hermiston newsletter in May 2025 to share city news and relevant information with residents, as well as receive feedback. Your answers in this short survey will help us continue to refine and develop the newsletter to meet your needs. Thanks for reading and for sharing your thoughts.