Two new councilors, two returning councilors take oath of office

Four Hermiston residents chosen by voters in the November election took the oath of office at the December 12 meeting to serve on the Hermiston City Council for the four-year term beginning January 2023.

New councilors Jackie Linton and David McCarthy joined returning councilors Roy Barrón and Jackie Myers at the swearing in ceremony. Each of the newly elected councilors represents one of the city's four wards.

Meanwhile, fellow councilors bid farewell to outgoing councilors Lori Davis and Phillip Spicerkuhn and thanked them for their service, experience, and commitment of time.

Hermiston uses a “Council-Manager” form of government, similar to the large majority of Oregon cities. In a Council-Manager form of government, all powers of the city are vested in the City Council.  The Council, made up of 8 elected Hermiston residents, ultimately decides whether or not the City will take an action on matters concerning the city. The Council hires a City Manager to manage day-to-day decisions and oversee department heads.

The Mayor is elected separately from the City Council, and only votes in the event of a tie at council meetings. The Mayor appoints committee members and signs ordinances and contracts for the City.

The next Hermiston City Council meeting will be January 9, 2023.