City Facilities Move to Online, Contact-Free Customer Service

Effective Friday, July 31 at noon, Hermiston is returning to the baseline phase of Oregon’s reopening plan along with the rest of Umatilla County. This is due to a high prevalence of positive COVID-19 cases in the community.

Umatilla County has 234 cases of COVID-19 per 10,000 people, more than any other Oregon county, and a weekly positive test rate of 23%, also above the state average. Reopening will require a decrease in positive test results across the county.

Because of distancing and gathering guidelines in the baseline order, Hermiston city facilities will shift to contact-less or online operations as we did in the spring. Below is a list of operational changes taking effect at noon:

Police – The main lobby at the Hermiston Public Safety Center (330 South First Street) will remain open as long as distancing and gathering guidelines can be met. Call the non-emergency number at 541-567-5519 to speak to someone in the front office or 9-1-1 for an emergency.

Library – The Hermiston Public Library will be closed to the public but resume curbside pickup at 235 E. Gladys Ave. Visit hermistonlibrary.us/ for digital services or call 541-567-2882 for material pickup options. Items can be returned in the green and blue bins on the north side of the building.

Parks and Recreation – The Hermiston Family Aquatic Center is closed for the rest of the summer. Other parks and trails will remain open but playgrounds, including the Splash Pad, will be closed until further notice. The Hermiston Community Center (415 S. Highway 395) and Parks and Recreation staff are available by appointment only by calling 541-667-5018. Recreational programs will be postponed.

Utility and Building Departments – The walkup window at the temporary City Hall (215 E Gladys Avenue) will remain open during regular business hours. Water and wastewater bills can be paid at www.xpressbillpay.com and Hermiston Energy Service bills can be paid at hermistonenergy.smarthub.coop/ Call 541-567-5521 for assistance or to make an appointment for in-person services.

Work crews will minimize direct contact with customers and wear masks when it is necessary. Each worker will drive their own vehicle when possible.

Municipal Court – Court appearances will continue by appointment only to limit attendance to 10 people. Call 541-567-6610 for more information.

Planning Department – The office at 180 N.E. Second Street is open by appointment only Call 541-567-5521 for more information.

Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center – Outdoor events at 1705 E. Airport Road will be postponed beginning Aug. 3. The lobby will be closed to the public. Call 541-289-9800 for more information.

Airport – The terminal at 1600 Airport Way will be closed, but fuel sales will still be available.

Baseline orders include the following restrictions:

• Everyone should minimize non-essential travel and stay at their place of residence as much as possible.
• All businesses and non-profits must implement work-from-home or telework policies for employees to the maximum extent possible.
• Civic, cultural, and faith-based gatherings are limited to 25 people.
• All indoor and outdoor social gatherings are limited to 10 people
• Grocery stores and retail, museums, pharmacies, banks and credit unions, and gas stations remain open.
• Restaurants must return to take-out or delivery only.
• Gyms, malls, venues, indoor and outdoor entertainment facilities, and personal services businesses must close.
• Recreational and youth sports are no longer permitted.
• Pools, spas, sports courts, and playgrounds must close.