Hermiston budget is up for a vote

By Terry Murry on Monday, June 12th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – The budget tops the agenda for the Hermiston City Council meeting at 7 p.m. today (Monday). The budget, that totals nearly $97 million, is an increase of almost $31 million over the current budget. Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan said that big jump is largely tied to one-time utilities and streets construction projects.

The budget committee met twice to go over the plan and did make at least one change. While the budget allows the hiring of five new police officers, the plan no longer contains the funding for those positions, categorizing the funding as frozen. The public will be invited to speak prior to the council voting on the budget.

The council will also vote on establishing a no parking zone on Southwest Third Street between Orchard and Locust avenues. It will also consider contracts with both Pilot Rock and Milton-Freewater to provide information technology services to each of those cities.

Prior to the meeting, the council will gather for a work session at 6 p.m. Council members plan to review and discuss city council rules.

The meeting is held in Hermiston City Hall Council Chambers and is streamed on the city’s YouTube channel.