County to open to public in New Year

By on Thursday, December 16th, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The Umatilla County Courthouse will return to its pre-COVID operations at the start of 2022.

“Starting Jan. 3, it will be open to those wishing to come and do business here without an appointment,” Board of Commissioners Chairman George Murdock said.

While not making an appointment will no longer be required, Murdock said it is the more efficient way to do business.

The board meets in the Pendleton courthouse, and Murdock said those meetings have been open to the public while being mindful of the state mask and social distance requirements. He said that people wishing to attend those meetings in person should call ahead.

“As long as we don’t exceed the limits that are provided by state regulation, they’re allowed to come in,” Murdock said.

The meetings are also streamed on the county’s website. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 29.