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Hines council questions Chamber membership value, tables decision
Summary
Hines councilors raised concerns that Harney County Chamber membership packages do not clearly deliver advertising or support for City events and tabled the membership decision for more detail and a list of Chamber deliverables.
Mayor Nikki Morgan and members of the Hines Common Council pressed for clearer deliverables from the Harney County Chamber of Commerce during a lengthy discussion at the Jan. 27 meeting, ultimately tabling a decision on membership level until the next council meeting.
The discussion followed a presentation summary by City Administrator Roxane Worley about past interactions with Chamber Director Jessica Hedges. Worley told the council she had a lengthy phone and in‑person discussion with Hedges about balancing business support and tourism advertising. Worley said staff shared ideas on how the Chamber might support the many home‑based businesses in Hines.
Why it mattered: Several councilors said the written membership packages do not explain how higher price tiers produce concrete benefits for City events or local businesses. Mayor Morgan said she had expected more local advertising and cited past experience when she said the Chamber had treated the City as a “complimentary” member — a remark she described as offensive given prior City contributions. Councilor Kim Valentine asked for a clear list of services Ms. Hedges would provide specifically for Hines, including whether event advertising and City activities would be included at higher sponsorship levels.
Councilor Misty Shepherd asked the Chamber director to explain what she does for neighboring Burns and which of those services could translate to Hines. Administrator Worley said she hopes the feedback was heard and emphasized the need for actions, not just promises: “Actions speak louder than words,” she told the council.
Outcome and next steps: The council tabled the Chamber membership decision pending a follow‑up that includes (1) a written list from the Chamber detailing what is provided at each membership level, (2) confirmation about advertising for City events versus tourism/TTL events, and (3) input from councilors who previously interacted with the Chamber. The item will return at the next regular meeting for further consideration.
The exchange was the meeting’s longest substantive debate and included repeated calls for clearer performance measures and accountability from the Chamber.
