Survey Open for Public Input on City Budget

The City of Hermiston is taking input on its budget through an online survey through December 15.

The City Council has spent the past five months in open meetings reviewing each city department to better understand budget needs and opportunities for cost cuts. After cutting nearly $300,000 in June to create a balanced budget for 2023-24, the Council is reviewing options for cuts in other areas and new revenue sources to restore service levels and add three police officer positions.

The city hosted a Town Hall meeting on Monday, November 27 to share information about options to amend the city budget in 2024 and to receive public feedback on the City Council’s next steps. Eleven residents spoke during the session, and two others recorded comments online.

Options for discussion include cuts to the materials, services, and Street Department funds; updating the Planning Department’s fee structure; increasing the Transient Room Tax on hotels/motels; creating a Business License Fee; creating a Public Safety Fee on utilities; and considering other voter-led tax options.

Videos from previous council meetings and General Fund department budget work sessions can be viewed at bit.ly/HermCouncilMtgs, with the subject of each meeting listed below:

April 10 – Budget Overview

June 26 – Hermiston Airport

July 10 – Hermiston Police Department

August 14 – Hermiston Public Library

August 28 – Water and Sewer

September 11 – Parks & Recreation

September 25 – Planning Department

October 9 – Administration & Finance Department

October 23 – Municipal Court

November 13 – Budget Discussion