HERMISTON — In a special work session before the Monday, July 12, Hermiston City Council meeting, Hermiston Energy Services General Manager Nate Rivera discussed the digital infrastructure strategic plan for Hermiston.

City staff has been researching fiber broadband infrastructure options to connect city-owned facilities with the help of Strategic Networks Group, which did the state’s broadband assessment and best practices study.

The work will create a digital infrastructure roadmap for the city to assist in long-term planning to maximize infrastructure investments. Currently, at least 25% — and perhaps more than 50% — of the community is underserved with broadband access, which has been highlighted during the pandemic, Rivera said.

“SNG comes in and helps community leaders and council to understand how ready a community is to undertake this type of initiative,” Rivera said. “They help us identify what the goals in the community are and the needs.”

Strategic Networks provided a score for Hermiston’s readiness for a digital infrastructure initiative of 63%, below the recommended 71%. Rivera told the council a clear vision of what broadband service and digital infrastructure is needed as well as identifying where the gaps are within the community.

“Seventy-one percent means your community is ready to proceed to the next step,” Rivera said. “We rank just underneath that. We are on the path, but there are some areas we need to work on to be successful.”

Key goals were identified as economic growth, more robust broadband access and expanded education and training opportunities. The ability to pay and maintain the initiative is a concern voiced by community leaders as well as making broadband access more robust. Seventy-eight percent of councilors listed it as a high priority, compared to 57% for community leaders.

During the city council meeting, councilors unanimously accepted the assessment and authorized staff to proceed with a digital infrastructure economic case assessment. The eight-week process will help determine if the benefits outweigh the cost of investing in digital infrastructure. The cost of both the first and second phase, not counting staff time, is approximately $15,000, Rivera said.

Rivera said the slow pace is deliberate to allow the city council to decide if it wants to continue with the project and keep it informed at every step.

The council also took care of the following business:

• Unanimously adopted the Umatilla County Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Councilors received the Hermiston fourth quarter investment report that saw corporate bonds increase by 3.03% to $1,427,944. The total investable portfolio is just above $5 million, earning a 3.23% return. Total investments are more than $8.5 million.