Hermiston City Council Seeks Members for Charter Review Committee

HERMISTON, Oregon — The Hermiston City Council has approved the formation of a Charter Review Committee tasked with examining the city’s governing document and recommending potential updates.

 The seven-member committee, composed of Hermiston residents registered to vote and living within city limits, will begin meeting in 2025. The committee will review the current City Charter and may recommend changes, amendments, or determine that no changes are necessary. Members will be appointed following an open recruitment process.

In addition to a full review, the Council has asked the committee to provide specific recommendations on a number of issues, including geographic representation on the Council, ward boundary adjustments, the process for adopting ordinances, the hiring and supervision of the city attorney, the selection method for the municipal court judge, and the necessity of a city manager residency requirement.

The committee will operate in accordance with Oregon Public Meetings Law and is expected to engage the public through at least one advertised hearing and additional outreach efforts.

The committee will operate until it delivers a final recommendation to the Council. Officials hope the group will conclude its work within six to nine months of appointment. 

*Interested persons are asked to complete the application process by the August 26th deadline.

The City of Hermiston is a vibrant, growing community of more than 20,000 residents at the crossroads of the Pacific Northwest. Located near the intersection of Interstate 84 and Interstate 82, just minutes from a Columbia River port and the Washington state line, Hermiston is capitalizing on its location as a transportation center and gateway to Oregon. To learn more, go to www.hermiston.or.us.

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*This summary of City Council Staff Report provided with the assistance of ChatGPT.  Review the Original Staff Report and associated documentation.