Council faces heavy agenda

By Terry Murry on Monday, June 14th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – The Hermiston City Council’s agenda is 410 pages long, signaling important work to be done at the work session that starts at 6 p.m. and the meeting that begins at 7 p.m. today (Monday). Among the items needing the council’s attention is the city’s budget for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.

The all-funds budget shows a 19.5 percent increase over the current fiscal year, rising to $68.5 million. It includes a 2.5 percent wage increase for all employees. The general fund totals $16.3 million, up over this year’s $15.1 million.

The council will also vote on changes to the zoning ordinance that will allow duplexes in single-family zones, as required by the Oregon Legislature.

The work session will see the council discussing the city’s contract with Kayak Public Transit for Hermiston Area Regional Transit. After the work session, the council will vote on renewing the agreement between Kayak and HART.

The meeting is at the Hermiston Conference Center and a limited number of seats are available for the mask-wearing public. It is also streamed live on the city’s You Tube channel.