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Hermiston council approves suite of infrastructure and financing measures
Summary
At its March 23 meeting the council approved multiple infrastructure and financing resolutions: UV disinfection equipment procurement ($681,000), a $1.5 million sewer loan application (with up to $1 million forgivable), and a $630,000 chlorine-structure contract for Well No. 6; all measures passed unanimously. Council also authorized evaluations for the Carnegie Building and accepted the February financial report.
Hermiston’s City Council approved several infrastructure and finance items during its March 23 meeting, voting unanimously to advance projects the city said are needed for regulatory compliance and system reliability.
UV disinfection: Council approved Resolution 24-15 to pre-purchase ultraviolet disinfection equipment for the recycled water treatment plant; staff recommended the Glasgow proposal at $681,000 (the alternative bid was $1.2 million). Staff said NPDES permit changes require elimination of chlorine byproducts by 2028 and the UV equipment has long lead times. Engineering consultant Anderson Perry recommended the Glasgow system and noted parts availability as a strength.
Sewer loan authorization: Council authorized staff to apply for a $1.5 million DEQ loan (Resolution 24-16) to support an option A sewer route estimated at $4.2 million; staff said the DEQ loan could include up to $1 million in forgiveness, reducing the city’s net contribution to about $500,000 from utility reserves. Staff framed the loan as a lever to attract private investment and to extend sewer infrastructure that could facilitate residential connections and reduce nitrate loading from septic systems.
Chlorination building: Council approved Resolution 24-17 to award a $630,000 contract for constructing a chlorine building at Well Number 6 to improve safe storage and handling of chlorine canisters and address a long-standing capacity and safety issue.
Carnegie Building and finances: Council authorized staff to begin consultant evaluations and schedule work sessions with four community groups interested in the Carnegie Building, and accepted the February 2026 monthly financial report.
Why it matters: The measures address environmental permit compliance, public-safety storage needs and infrastructure to support growth in annexed industrial areas. Several items include capital procurement or loan applications that will shape construction schedules over the next 1–3 years.
What’s next: Staff will proceed with procurement, loan application steps and contract administration; they will also schedule group presentations and report back on the Carnegie Building evaluation.
