Justice System Improvement Program Open House Scheduled
Benton County is scheduled to host a Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) Open House for community members to share highlights about County plans for holistic improvements to community safety, mental health, and homelessness services.
The open house will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 6-8 p.m. at the Benton County Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way. Registration is not required, but the public and media are encouraged to RSVP by contacting pioinfo@co.benton.or.us.
Benton County elected officials, subject matter experts, and staff will be available to share plans for the new Mental Health Crisis Center, Courthouse, and District Attorney’s office and provide information about proposed safety, mental health, and homelessness services facilities to be included in a May 2023 bond measure. Stations at the event will include information about the new Courthouse and District Attorney's office design, the proposed plan for a new correctional facility with a Sheriff's Office and Emergency Operation Center, the new Benton County Crisis Center design plan, homelessness services facilities, and financial stewardship.
The Justice System Improvement Program is a comprehensive effort to create a more equitable, effective, and safe justice system throughout Benton County.
Questions or RSVPs may be directed to pioinfo@co.benton.or.us.
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Benton County Board decides on $110 million May 2023 bond measure
The Benton County Board of Commissioners received a final presentation on the costs and recommended projects for the planned May 16, 2023, Justice System Improvement Program bond measure. The total cost of facilities for the proposed bond measure is $114 million and staff presented a number of bond cost scenarios ranging from $100 million up to $114 million. After discussion, the Board was unanimous in their decision to set the bond amount at $110 million. The cost would be approximately $150 – $155 per year for a Benton County home with an average tax-assessed value of $266,000 or market value of about $450,000.
The bond measure would fund a new co-located correctional facility, Sheriff’s Office, and emergency operations center to maximize operational savings and efficiencies. It will also include up to $4.5 million for an expanded youth mental health services facility and a homelessness services facility. The inclusion of these facilities in the bond package is in response to community priorities for the escalating need.
Learn more about the planning process.
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Annual roadside spraying program
The Benton County Public Works Department will begin its annual roadside shoulder-spraying program to control vegetation along county roads in late March (weather permitting). Spraying of noxious weeds and roadside vegetation is done throughout the year.
Residents who don’t want roadside spraying to control weeds along their property must fill out a Vegetation Control Permit and a Vegetation Control Liability Release form with the County each year. Agreements must be received by March 1, 2023. Once the agreement is signed, residents will be given "No Spray" signs that must be posted on their property by March 15.
Learn more about the no-spray program.
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Upcoming Solid Waste Process Workgroup meetings
The next Solid Waste Process Workgroup meeting is Thursday, February 23. All meetings are held in person at the Kalapuya Bldg. located at 4500 SW Research Way, first floor board room chambers, or online through Zoom.
- Meeting #8: February 23, 2023 (Thursday), 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm
- Meeting #9: March 16, 2023 (Thursday), 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm
The County will continue to provide updates about the workgroup through March 2023. The goal of the County and the workgroup is to be transparent while working with community members, key stakeholders, and other local, state, and federal partners.
Learn more about the Solid Waste Process Workgroup.
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Board of Commissioners provide meeting summaries
In January, the Board of Commissioners Office began producing a meeting summary for all Tuesday Board of Commissioner meetings. The meeting summary lists each agenda item and provides a brief description of the nature of the item.
Visit the Board of Commissioners meeting page to find links to 2023 meeting summaries, Board meeting packets, and other details.
Meeting summaries will generally be posted on the Board of Commissioners meeting page by the close of business, on the day of the meeting. Extenuating circumstances, such as longer than typical meetings or executive sessions, may delay posting until the next business day. *It is important to note that the meeting summary is not the formal meeting record and does not replace Board meeting minutes.
View the January 3, 2023 Board meeting summary.
View the January 17, 2023 Board meeting summary.
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Fatalities increase in 2022
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office responded to more crashes involving fatalities in 2022 than they have seen yearly in over two decades. Distracted driving, impaired driving, and an increase in vehicles on the road are believed to be the main factors for the rise. As they have already responded to a number of crashes since the start of 2023, including one fatal crash, the Sheriff's Office would like to remind you to take precautions while driving.
[photo: Crash on Hwy 99W near Eureka Rd. on November 2, 2022.]
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Be aware of road conditions and take extra precautions on icy or wet roads. Check the Oregon Department of Transportation's tripcheck.com to plan ahead.
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Minimize your distractions and don’t use a handheld device while driving. Oregon’s cell phone law prohibits the use of any mobile electronic device by drivers unless you are using a hands-free device. Drivers under 18 are banned from using any kind of mobile electronics, hands-free or not.
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Always wear safety belts and ensure proper installment and use of child safety seats. Find the right child safety seat.
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Drive sober or plan a sober ride home. Avoid driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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Follow traffic laws and drive the speed limit.
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Move over! Oregon law requires drivers to move over into another lane for any emergency vehicle or vehicles pulled over on the side of the road displaying hazard lights or other signs of stress. If you can’t move over, slow down to at least five miles below the posted speed limit.
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Turn on your headlights, especially in low light areas.
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Be aware of school zones, bicycles, and pedestrians.
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Refresh your “Rules of the Road” knowledge by reviewing the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicle's Driver’s Manual.
Thank you for keeping our Benton County roads safe!
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Water Quality Series Part 2: by Benton County Public Works
Point Source and Nonpoint Source Pollution
Water quality is the most important factor in watershed health and the biological food web it supports. Small changes in water quality that seem insignificant can have long lasting effects on plants and animals that live within the watershed. Negative effects on one organism will cause negative effects on other organisms that feed on them, or rely on their presence. Each organism fulfills a particular function and if that function is stopped, part of the system collapses.
Point Source Pollution
Visualizing water pollution typically brings up a picture of sludge pouring out of a pipe into a river, or an oil well spewing oil into the ocean [photo above]. These are accurate visualizations of one type of water pollution called point source. They are called point sources because they issue from a single point. Point source pollution can be traced, contained, stopped, and cleanup can begin. The effects can usually be fixed in a short period of time depending on the amount and type of toxic material entering the stream, river, lake or ocean.
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Nonpoint Source Pollution
Nonpoint source pollution is a much bigger problem for water quality. This type of pollution comes from many different, repeated sources and is difficult to trace [photo right]. The effects of nonpoint source pollution are cumulative, they add up over time. One example of nonpoint source pollution is the over-use of fertilizers for lawns and landscaping. Rain carries the excess fertilizer to streams and rivers where the fertilizer increases the pH (alkalinity) levels of the water. This is harmful to plants and animals that live in or near the water. A single over-application does not create a problem, but many people over-fertilizing lawns, landscaping, or fields on a regular basis causes extensive damage to water quality.
More examples of nonpoint source pollution that occur continually and add up over time include:
- Toxic substances in stormwater runoff from roads (oils, metals, copper, and much more).
- Animal waste is a primary source of fecal coliform (e-coli) in streams. One pile of dog waste doesn’t cause a problem. Thousands of piles will.
What you can do…
Our waters should be clean enough to fish, swim, and drink. Non-point source pollution is a major threat to that standard. Here are a few things you can do:
- Use less fertilizer on lawns and landscaping.
- Drive a little less, make your trips more efficient.
- Pick up more of those 2,500 piles of dog waste.
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COVID-19 vaccination events at schools and fairgrounds discontinued
As part of our ongoing transition away from the COVID-19 emergency response, community vaccination events like those held at the fairgrounds and schools around the County will no longer be offered. The Benton County Health Department will continue to support community members who face barriers to accessing the vaccine through direct outreach and targeted vaccination efforts.
This does not mean that the pandemic is over, though. Vaccination is still the best protection against COVID-19, and staying up to date is just as important to keep your protection up. COVID-19 vaccines are still available most places where vaccines are administered. Check with your regular medical provider or local pharmacy to make an appointment.
For a list of some providers in Benton County, visit: find a COVID-19 vaccine. If these options do not work for you (such as a medical condition, age restriction, or seeking a specific vaccine), please call 541-766-6120 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for additional options.
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Benton County is hiring!
Our featured position this month is: Natural Areas, Parks and Events (NAPE) Director
The NAPE Director administers, provides leadership, plans, directs, and evaluates the activities and functions of the NAPE Dept. Responsible for the 24/7 operation and the overall management and direction of Benton County parks, natural areas, fairgrounds, Benton Oaks RV Park, Salmonberry Campground, Crystal Lake Cemetery, Adair Clubhouse, and the Alsea Guard Station. This position develops long term goals and strategies; implements operational policies and procedures; develops community partnerships; and manages and directs the department budget and financial transactions. In addition, the Director serves as the primary advisor and liaison to the Natural Areas & Parks Board and Fair Board on matters related to the department.
View additional vacancies.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices.
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This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. | | | | |
