Umatilla County halves application fee for Hermiston's UGB expansion request

Umatilla County commissioners on Sept. 3 approved a motion to waive $2,000 of the $4,000 application fee for the City of Hermiston's proposed urban growth boundary (UGB) expansion in the Feedville Road area.

Bob Walder, the county's community development director, said Hermiston's UGB application seeks to add "just over 800 acres" of industrial land and that the city has done most of the background work for the comprehensive-plan amendment. Walder recommended splitting the county's fee with the city rather than waiving it entirely, saying a partial waiver avoids setting a precedent.

Clint Spencer, representing the City of Hermiston, said the city has already invested substantial staff time and finances and argued the $4,000 fee is small relative to expected county-wide economic benefits from industrial development over decades. After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to waive $2,000 of the $4,000 fee; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. One commissioner stated they would vote against the motion, citing concern about setting a precedent for fee waivers.

Why it matters: If the City of Hermiston proceeds with the UGB expansion, the county's partial fee waiver reduces the city's immediate application cost. The proposed expansion covers a large industrial area and could lead to future development and employment growth in the county.

Implementation: Walder indicated the county would accept a $2,000 reduced payment from the city to reimburse county staff time; the city indicated willingness to pay the reduced amount.