Hermiston seeks group to consider charter revisions

By Terry Murry on Thursday, July 31st, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

HERMISTON – The Hermiston City Council is forming a Charter Review Committee. The seven-member group will be tasked with examining the city’s governing document and recommend potential updates.

In addition to a full review, the council wants the committee to provide specific recommendations on a number of issues. They include geographic representation on the city council, adjustments to ward boundaries, the process for adopting ordinances, the hiring and supervision of the city attorney, the selection method for the municipal court judge, and the need for a residency requirement for the city manager.

The committee members must be residents within the Hermiston city limits who are registered voters. The meetings will begin this year and it’s expected the process could take six to nine months. The council expects the committee to follow Oregon Public Meetings Law and will be required to perform community outreach and have at least one advertised public hearing during its existence.

Those interested in serving may visit the Boards & Commissions page of the Hermiston website and find the application for the Charter Review Committee.