Hermiston City Charter Review & Community Town Hall

The City Charter is essentially Hermiston’s constitution. It establishes the structure of city government, defines the powers and duties of elected officials and city staff, outlines election processes, and governs how local laws are made. (Read the Hermiston City Charter) Because the charter shapes how the city operates, any changes can only be made with approval from Hermiston voters.

The City of Hermiston is reviewing potential updates to its City Charter and is inviting community members to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback at an upcoming Town Hall Meeting.

Community Town Hall
Date: Wednesday, March 4
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Hermiston City Hall

The meeting will include a presentation on potential charter changes, followed by an opportunity for community questions and feedback. Input gathered at the town hall will help inform the City Council as it decides which recommendations, if any, to refer to Hermiston voters.

Why Is the Charter Being Reviewed?

Hermiston’s City Charter has not been updated in 10 years. To ensure it stays current with the community’s needs, the Hermiston City Council initiated a formal charter review process.

As part of this effort, the City Council appointed a Charter Review Committee made up of community members that reviewed the existing charter, identified areas for clarification or improvement, and developed recommendations.

Summary of Potential Charter Changes

The Charter Review Committee has recommended several possible updates, including:

• Elections:
  • Redrawing City Council ward boundaries so they are approximately equal in population, ensuring equal representation.
  • Changing the election of the four ward councilors so they are elected only by voters within their individual wards, rather than by all city voters.
• City Council Roles
  • Changing the municipal court judge position from an elected role to an appointed role.
  • Changing the selection of the City Council president from every other year to every year.
• City Manager Roles
  • Allowing any newly hired city manager up to 12 months from their date of employment to establish residence within the city.
  • Clarifying that day-to-day supervision of the city attorney is the responsibility of the city manager.
• City Charter Upkeep
  • Requiring the City Charter to be formally reviewed at least once every 10 years.
  • Making various language clarifications to better align the charter with the League of Oregon Cities Model Charter.

Following the town hall, the Hermiston City Council will review the Charter Review Committee’s recommendations and community feedback. The Council will then decide which proposed changes, if any, should be placed before Hermiston voters.

Get Involved

Residents are encouraged to attend the Town Hall to learn more and share their perspectives. Whether you have questions, concerns, general feedback, or just want to learn more, your participation helps shape the future of Hermiston’s city government.

If you can't attend the Town Hall but would like to comment, email meetings@hermiston.gov and include your name and mailing address.