The Umatilla City Council voted unanimously to approve the Rock the Locks music festival for three additional years through 2028, and directed staff to prepare a formal resolution for the council’s Aug. 5 regular meeting and to provide a post-event report by Dec. 31 and an annual progress report by July 31 on key festival measures.

Supporters and opponents addressed the council during an extended public-comment period before deliberations. Becky Hunt, who said she represents PEO Chapter Doctor, told councilors Rock the Locks is the chapter’s major fundraiser and "we would love to see the festival continue." Resident Mia Padgett urged caution, saying the city must address noise, camping and financial transparency before extending the festival and recommended clear benchmarks for attendance, revenue growth and enforceable noise limits.

Jensen Strategy, the city’s consultant for the event, told the council the festival’s cost recovery improved from about 34% in the first year to about 44% in 2024 and that the consultant and staff have set an aspirational goal of 100% cost recovery by 2027 if the festival continues. The consultant said EcoNorthwest’s local economic analysis estimated a local return of roughly $1.8–$2.2 in visitor spending for every dollar invested by the city. Attendance figures in the staff report show roughly 5,900 visits with about 17% from Umatilla residents.

Council discussion ranged from community promotion and increased regional attention to persistent concerns about noise and cost. The city reported substantial sound-mitigation spending after resident complaints: roughly $90,000 in 2023, about $150,000 in 2024 and a budget line approaching $249,000 in 2025 that includes additional one-time purchases and monitoring. Staff said several mitigation measures now will be written into artist contracts and enforceable for 2025.

Several residents and business representatives said the festival produces local economic activity. Josiah Baron of the Umatilla Chamber of Commerce described a Chamber-produced guide and business discounts intended to direct festivalgoers into downtown businesses. Opponents cited repeated resident outreach and continuing neighborhood impacts as reasons to pause or rethink the festival’s scope.

Councilor Klayn moved the extension motion and it was seconded; roll-call votes recorded Councilor Funderburg, Councilor Duffloff, Councilor Katie McMillan, Councilor Smith, Councilor Dennis McMillan and Councilor McLean as voting "aye." The motion directs staff to prepare a resolution for the Aug. 5 meeting that will formalize the three-year approval and the reporting requirements.

The council majority framed the vote as a multi-year trial with mandatory annual reporting and enforceable sound provisions; opponents said continued oversight, stronger noise standards and greater community involvement should remain central to any renewal.