COVID-19 Corona Virus Updates
Letter to Governor Brown May 3, 2021
Elected officials throughout the county signed off on the letter, which went to the governor in protest of the county being placed back in the high risk category.
Open Letter as PDF
IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING MUNICIPAL COURT for May 13th, 2021 Apr 23, 2021
Rainier Municipal Court is currently scheduled for May 13th, 2021. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and mandatory social distancing, Judge Phillips will be conducting this scheduled court date by phone. Court will be scheduled in segments throughout the day, and you will be given a designated time to appear.
A letter will be mailed to each defendant at the address on the citation, with the time of their phone appointment. It is the responsibility of the defendant to notify City Hall with a phone number they can be reached at for their scheduled court appointment. This is required for your appearance.
NOTE: If you do not give us a correct phone number, and we are unable to reach you at the time the court has designated for you, then it will be considered a Fail to Appear, you will be found guilty, and you will be charged all fines and fees appropriate to your case as directed by the court.
Rainier Municipal Court can be reached at 503-556-4027 or by calling City Hall at 503-556-7301.
Thank you for your cooperation.
COVID-19 Vaccine at Senior CenterMarch 19, 2021
The Rainier Senior Center is going to start giving the COVID vaccine on Thursday, March 25 and every other Thursday after that.
To get placed on the list, call the center at 503-556-3889 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or noon to 1 p.m.
There is no waiting list for people to get the vaccine. The list is prioritized by age and people with illnesses going first.
RAINIER MAYOR'S TASKFORCE FOR COVID VACCINATIONS Mar 17, 2021
Have you tried finding a Covid Vaccination but are having a hard time figuring it out?
Please call City Hall between the hours of 09:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday through Friday and leave your contact information with staff. A local dedicated volunteer on the Taskforce will help you schedule a vaccination.
Please note we do not give the vaccination.
We will do our best to help you find one.
Please Call 503-556-7301
View Flyer (pdf)NOTICE: Rainier City Hall Re-Opens March 1Feb 25, 2021
Rainier City Hall will be re-opened to the public March 1 for its usual operating hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The library is open regular hours: Rainier City Library
NOTICE: Rainier City Hall Closed until further notice (including the library) Nov 16, 2020
As per Governor Brown's latest COVID guidelines, and out of an abundance of caution, Rainier's city hall and public library will both be closed to the public as of Wednesday, November 18. Staff will still be present and can be made available via appointment, if need be.
The Planning Commission meeting that was originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 18 at 6 p.m. has been cancelled.
Due to access to city offices being temporarily restricted, it is asked that you call our office concerning any business or other needs at (503) 556-7301 during regular business hours. You can also contact the City of Rainier by email using this form
JANUARY 14, 2021 RAINIER MUNICIPAL COURT HEARING - ATTEND BY PHONENov 13, 2020
Rainier Municipal Court is currently scheduled for January 14th, 2021. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and mandatory social distancing, Judge Phillips will conduct this scheduled court date by phone.
Court will be scheduled in segments throughout the day and you will be given a designated time to appear.
A letter will be mailed to each defendant at the address on the citation, with the time of their phone appointment.
It is the responsibility of the defendant to notify City Hall with a phone number they can be reached at for their scheduled court appointment. If there is a different phone number that you would prefer we use to contact you, please call our office as soon as possible prior to your court date. If the number was given at the time of being cited, please verify this number is correct on your citation.
NOTE: If you do not give us a correct phone number, and we are unable to reach you at the time the court has designated for you, then it may be considered a Fail to Appear, you may be found guilty, and you may be charged all fines and fees appropriate to your case as directed by the court.
Rainier Municipal Court can be reached at 503-556-4027 or by calling City Hall at 503-556-7301.
$250,000 is available for eligible grant applicants beginning today, June 24thJun 24, 2020
Applications are due July 3, 2020.
CCET Affordable PPE "Pop-Up" for Columbia County Small BusinessesJun 15, 2020
County Commissioners trigger small business buying power with accessible PPE program
Budget Committee Meeting Notice - ATTEND BY PHONEMay 27, 2020
A public meeting of the Budget Committee of the City of Rainier, Columbia County, State of Oregon, to discuss the budget for the fiscal year July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, will be held at the Masonic Lodge 301 East 3rd Street, Rainier, OR.
The meeting will take place on June 1, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting is to receive the budget message and to receive comment from the public on the budget. This is a public meeting where deliberation of the Budget Committee will take place. Any person may appear at the meeting and discuss the proposed programs with the Budget Committee.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, this meeting will be a phone in meeting. The public may call (351) 999-3375 to attend this meeting.
Comments for the council can also be submitted to the council via email or written and deposited in the drop box located at the 1st Street entrance to City Hall.
A copy of the budget document may be inspected or obtained on or after May 28, 2020 at 106 West. B Street, Rainier, OR, by appointment between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Columbia County slated for Phase One opening May 15May 14, 2020
Read Full Notice from Columbia County Board of Commissioners and Governor Kate Brown
Rainier City Council Meeting ATTEND BY PHONEMay 7, 2020
Rainier City Council Meeting 6 p.m. Monday, May 18, 2020
Due to unforseen circumstances, the May 11 meeting has been re-scheduled to May 18.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, this meeting will be a phone in meeting. The public may call (351) 999-3375 to attend this meeting.
Comments for the council can also be submitted to the council via email or written and deposited in the drop box located at the 1st Street entrance to City Hall.
May 16 Cleanup Day & Hazardous Waste Collections Day Cancelled Apr 30, 2020
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the City of Rainier Cleanup Day & Columbia County Hazardous Waste Collection Event scheduled for May 16, 2020 has been cancelled. If possible, the event will be re-scheduled later this year.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE REGARDING MUNICIPAL COURT May 20, 2020 Apr 22, 2020
Rainier Municipal Court is currently scheduled for May 20, 2020. Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, and mandatory social distancing, Judge Phillips will be conducting this scheduled court date by phone. Court will be scheduled in segments throughout the day and you will be given a designated time to appear.
A letter will be mailed to each defendant at the address on the citation, with the time of their phone appointment. It is the responsibility of the defendant to notify City Hall with a phone number they can be reached at for their scheduled court appointment. This phone number is required by May 6, 2020, unless the officer wrote down your correct number when you were given your citation. Please verify this number on your citation.
NOTE: If you do not give us a correct phone number, and we are unable to reach you at the time the court has designated for you, then it will be considered a Fail to Appear, you will be found guilty, and you will be charged all fines and fees appropriate to your case as directed by the court.
Rainier Municipal Court can be reached at 503-556-4027 or by calling City Hall at 503-556-7301.
CCET Immediate Opportunity to Access Layoff Aversion Funding from the State of OregonApr 15, 2020
Notice from Columbia County Economic Team (CCET)
We just received notice that Oregon is funding another $800k for Layoff Aversion funds. Of that $48k is going to our area. Applications are on a first-come first-serve basis and are awarded until all the money is spent. Last batch of about $67k was gone in 2-3 days. If you have a need and even think you might qualify - hit the link above ASAP.
Small Business Resources: Letter From the MayorApr 15, 2020
Letter from the Mayor to Rainier Business Community
Small Business Resource Page
To assist our business community, up to date information will be posted as it becomes available.
"I am offering the time and effort of city staff and its resources to assist you as much as possible in accessing this imminently needed aid. If you find you need assistance in applying for a loan or grant or assistance cutting through the red tape that is an inevitable part of these programs, city staff will do its best to help"
Rainier City Council Meeting ATTEND BY PHONEApr 9, 2020
Rainier City Council Meeting 6 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2020
Due to COVID-19 precautions, this meeting will be a phone in meeting. The public may call (351) 999-3375 to attend this meeting.
Comments for the council can also be submitted to the council via email or written and deposited in the drop box located at the 1st Street entrance to City Hall.
Rainier 2020 Citywide Easter Egg Hunt CancelledApr 2, 2020
The Citywide Easter Egg Hunt in Rainier, Oregon is cancelled for this year due to the COVID-19 situation.
Sponsored by the Rainier Eagles Aerie #4022, the event had been scheduled for Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. in the city park.
Rainier, Oregon Mayor Jerry Cole has declared a state of emergency Mar 16, 2020
Rainier, Oregon Mayor Jerry Cole has declared a state of emergency for the city of 2,000 residents that sits along the Columbia River in Columbia County.
The declaration will not only streamline assistance to residents and businesses to weather the unprecedented viral outbreak, but allow the city government to expedite actions needed to protect individuals and businesses in the city as well as use special procedures to expedite the purchase of goods and services needed by city departments to maintain safety, health, and wellbeing in Rainier.
"I want to assure everyone that Rainier is as safe, secure and protected as possible during this challenging time of COVID-19. This infection is being more fully understood every day, and more specific preventative measures are being formulated daily. Until we understand the full picture of the disease and the best responses to it, we must follow the broad preventative measures as directed by the President, Congress, our Governor, Columbia County, and State health officials."
"While these declarations are often used by cities when there is major disruption from a highly visible natural disaster such as a flood or earthquake, we are now threatened by in invisible and sometimes lethal threat," said Mayor Cole. "We have little experience with a contagion and what damages it may bring to our community and how long the measures needed to attempt to stem its rapid growth may take. This declaration, along with those of the President and the Governor, are part of a coordinated effort that will aid in our ability to tap into outside resources and ease the process to receive any possible Federal reimbursement for costs incurred."
"I ask that you all help us by following the guidelines, rules and recommendations that the City, County, State and Federal governments issue - these are the best directives to keep you safe and to limit the impacts of COVID-19," said Cole. "There is information and links to the Small Business Administration and the CDC on the city website, cityofrainier.com that are strong resources available 24 hours a day."
The declaration took effect at midnight on March 16, 2020 and will stay in effect through April 30, 2020.
CITY OF RAINIER DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY DUE TO COVID-19 (pdf)RAINIER MUNICPAL COURT CANCELLED FOR MARCH 18, 2020 Mar 16, 2020
The scheduled March 18, 2020 session of the Rainier Municipal Court has been cancelled as a precaution surrounding the corona virus outbreak.
The court is scheduled to next meet on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at 1 p.m.
If you have any questions or concerns about court matters, please call (503) 556-4027.
Keep Up to Date on COVID-19 at CDC Website Mar 16, 2020
Developments on the spread, treatment, and social restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak change rapidly.
The Centers for Disease Control have put into action a comprehensive website with information and news on prevention, treatment, the spread of the virus and much more.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Guidance for Businesses and Employers Mar 16, 2020
Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Health and government officials are working together to maintain the safety, security, and health of the American people. Small businesses are encouraged to do their part to keep their employees, customers, and themselves healthy.
Please follow the link below for further information.
SBA Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
There are applications for low-interest loans, information about Small Business Administration Products and Resources, as well as Guidance for Businesses and Employers during this time.
Of particular interest to small businesses in our area is the following:
Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program The SBA will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest loans to small businesses and non-profits that have been severely impacted by the Coronavirus (COVID-19). The SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provides small businesses with working capital loans of up to $2 million that can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing. Find more information on the SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans at: SBA.gov/Disaster.
NOTICE: Rainier City Hall Closed until further notice (including the library) Mar 14, 2020
** Updated Mar 19, 2020 **
Due to the COVID-19 virus situation around the country, the City of Rainier is putting into practice precautionary measures.
This includes restricted access to City Hall (including the library).
- online: https://rainier.merchanttransact.com/
- by mail: PO Box 100, Rainier, OR 97048
- or in the drop box located outside city offices at City Hall, 106 West B Street, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
Payment due dates for this billing cycle have been extended to May 1, 2020.
Due to access to city offices being temporarily restricted, it is asked that you call our office concerning any business or other needs at (503) 556-7301 during regular business hours. You can also contact the City of Rainier by email using this form
IMPORTANT NOTICE Mar 14, 2020
Rainier City Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 16, 2020 has been cancelled.
The Rainier City Council next scheduled meeting is Monday, April 13 at 6pm at Rainier City Hall.
Some documents linked to on this page are PDF files, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Adobe Acrobat Reader is FREE and can be downloaded here