Date is set for new city hall

By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 14th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – Assistant City Manager Mark Morgan says it’s hard to see from the outside, but work continues on the new municipal building. It won’t be long before the workers move out and the city employees move inside.

“I will give you a date,” Morgan said. “October 1. That’s the first time I’ve ever given the media a date. That’s what we’re shooting for.”

Morgan said Oct. 1 is the day the city will take possession of the building. The new structure at 180 N.E. Second St. is larger than the old building. It also brings building permit and municipal court functions into the same facility. Umatilla County is also leasing offices on the lowest floor.

City officials had been discussing changes to city hall for several years as the city continued to grow. An HVAC fire in 2019 hastened the decision. Funds from the Greater Hermiston Enterprise Zone are being used for the new structure.