Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Senior Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs staff to renegotiate senior center agreement, explore targeted support
Summary
Rather than a one-time cash allocation, the Hermiston City Council directed staff to work with the Hermiston Senior Center Board to renegotiate the use agreement and explore how city support could increase meals and services; motion passed with council direction to report back.
Hermiston — The council directed staff to return with an updated agreement and options for the Harkenreiter (senior center) after hearing about operations and funding gaps at the non‑profit that runs programs in the city‑owned facility.
City staff outlined the history of the partnership and said the current use agreement is outdated: the nonprofit is not meeting some contract provisions (for example, daily meal obligations) and COVID‑era volunteer shortfalls have changed operations. Staff recommended renegotiating the agreement rather than immediately approving a $30,000 allocation.
Councilors asked for specifics on what a $30,000 allocation would accomplish (Councilor Litton noted meal counts and suggested funds might support a five‑day meal program). Some members expressed concern about setting a precedent of ad‑hoc grants; others stressed the seniors' needs. The council voted to direct staff to work with the senior board on a revised use agreement to better define services and resource needs, and to return with recommendations; the motion carried (roll call recorded per meeting minutes).
What happens next: Staff will negotiate with the Hermiston Senior Center Board, identify potential funding allocations tied to specific outcomes (for example, restoring five-day meal service), and report back for council consideration in budgeting and goal‑setting sessions.
