The Hermiston City Council voted 6–1 on Aug. 11 to begin the process of accepting jurisdiction of a section of Southeast Tenth Street between Highland Avenue and Columbia Drive and to ask Umatilla County to initiate its own public hearing on the transfer.

Public Works staff described the transfer as the first formal step; Umatilla County must hold a separate public hearing before jurisdiction is actually transferred. Public Works staff said the county has offered a one‑time payment of $200,000 to the city in exchange for the city accepting long‑term maintenance responsibility for the roadway segment.

Public Works Director (presenting as Mister Morgan) and staff outlined long‑term capital needs along the corridor, highlighting a one‑lane, weight‑restricted bridge carrying the A Line Canal (described in staff material as a culvert replacement project). City engineers estimate replacing that structure and bringing the crossing up to a two‑lane, city‑standard section with sidewalks on both sides would cost approximately $800,000. The Columbia Ridge subdivision under construction will be assessed and expected to contribute about $1,500 per home (roughly $400,000 total) plus the city’s transportation system development charge; staff said the county payment and Columbia Ridge contributions would leave a gap of roughly $200,000 that the city would need to cover.

Several property owners who live along Southeast Tenth urged caution. Vernon Webber, who identified himself as the owner of a large parcel on Southeast Tenth Street, disputed staff’s use of the word “culvert” and said steel I‑beam bridge structures already exist and that significant irrigation infrastructure, fences and utilities run along the corridor. “There is significant irrigation that the irrigation company would have to change if that road widens,” Webber said. Tanya Haft (Haft/Hoff), who lives on the county side of Tenth Street, told the council she was concerned about easements, access to a large shop on her property and potential future truck routing of semis.

City staff said accepting jurisdiction would not annex abutting properties into the city or change property taxes; it would transfer operational responsibility for the roadway to the city and allow the city to manage traffic, future repairs and potential utility coordination. Staff also noted that replacement of the culvert/bridge had been included in the city’s capital improvement plan and that the city expects to pursue the replacement around calendar year 2026.

During discussion Councilor Kelso asked about the timeline and confidence in the $800,000 estimate; staff said the estimate comes from Anderson Perry and Associates and includes contingency for utilities and irrigation coordination. Final approval of the transfer remains subject to county public hearing and formal intergovernmental agreement terms.

The council passed Resolution 23‑91 to place the jurisdiction transfer request on the record and initiate the county process; the motion passed 6–1 with Councilor Litton recorded in dissent.