City Council

Mayoral Duties

Under the City Charter, the Mayor serves as the political head of the city government.

The Mayor presides over and facilitates council meetings, preserves order, enforces council rules, and determines the order of business under council rules. The Mayor shall be the presiding office of the Council. The Mayor shall not vote except in case of a tie vote of the members of the Council present at a meeting. With the consent of Council, the Mayor appoints members of commissions and committees established by ordinance or resolution. The Mayor must sign all records of Council decisions. The Council President presides in the absence of the Mayor and acts as Mayor when the Mayor is unable to perform duties. The term of office is four years.

Council Information and Duties

The City Council consists of six councilors nominated and elected from the city at large. The Umatilla County Elections Division runs the City election in tandem with County, State, and Federal elections. The term of office is four years. 

Terms for City Council Seats are staggered. Council Seats 2, 4, and 6 are up for election in one cycle and Council Seats 1, 3, and 5 are up for election in the next cycle. Council Seats 2, 4, and 6 will be up for election in November 2024. The election for Seats 1, 3 and 5 was most recently held in November 2022 and will be up for election again in November 2026. 

Under the City Charter, the City Council is the legislative power of the City of Umatilla and has the power to: interpret the needs and desires of the local community, appoint the City Administrator, approve preliminary and final plans and specifications, as well as, acquisition and disposal of City property, determine the compensation and salary schedules of all employees in the City in accordance with procedures established by law and City policy, provide for keeping the public informed of the purposes, needs and conditions of the City Government, evaluate the programs of the City and appraise the efficiency of executive personnel, approve ordinances, resolutions and policies for the City, implement all actions required by law, and consider specific actions recommended by the City Manager. 

What is Expected of Elected Officials

Elected officials occupy positions of public trust and must adhere to all State, local, and Federal Laws, as well as Oregon Laws of Government Ethics. Elected officials are expected to:

• Read and review agenda packets and information prior to attending meetings
• Attend two (2) regularly scheduled City Council meetings each month (usually the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays)
• In addition to attending other special and assigned monthly meetings of the City, to include:
  • Work Session meetings
  • Committee meetings
  • Board meetings 
  • City Administration meetings
• Elected officials are encouraged to attend seminars and conferences in order to continue their education and knowledge on all aspects that affect the community in which they serve. 
• City Council Policies & Procedures