Council considers IGA for lobbyist services

By Terry Murry on Monday, May 10th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – The Hermiston City Council meets at 7 p.m. today (Monday) at the Hermiston Community Center. The council will consider entering into an intergovernmental agreement with Umatilla County and the cities of Echo, Stanfield, and Umatilla.

The IGA calls for each party to contribute funds to offset the cost of Hermiston’s contract with the Pac/West Lobby Group. Currently, Hermiston is paying $36,000 for the work by Pac/West. Under the agreement, it and the county would pay $12,000, Umatilla will pay $6,000, and Echo and Stanfield will each pay $3,000.

The council will also consider a partnership with the Greater Hermiston Chamber of Commerce to fund a restaurant assistance program through a mass gift card purchase model. City staff believe that such a program would help drive much needed funds to local restaurants.

There are a limited number of seats available for the public at the council meeting. People are required to wear masks. The meeting is streamed live on the city’s YouTube channel.