Commissioners Augerot and Wyse are officially sworn in
On January 4, 2021 Commissioners Augerot and Wyse were officially sworn into office, by presiding Judge Williams. This event marks the beginning of Commissioner Wyse's first term and Commissioner Augerot's second term.
The Board of Commissioners oversee all functions of county government services and sets the budgets for the Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office. They act as executives, overseeing county operations; legislators, setting county ordinances; and also fill a quasi-judicial role in land use matters.
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Xan Augerot, County Commissioner
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Nancy Wyse, County Commissioner
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A road happily travelled
Annabelle Jaramillo was first elected to the Board of Commissioners in November 2000, and has dedicated her life to the service of others. Jaramillo completed her last four-year term on January 4, 2021.
Before her role as county commissioner, Jaramillo served as Governor John Kitzhaber's Citizens' Representative from 1995 - 2000. She also served as Executive Director of the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs, worked as a research botanist for the Forest Service, operated as director of Computer Education for Harakai Systems, Inc., and worked as the development officer for the Center against Rape & Domestic Violence.
Jaramillo's leadership and commitment has brought her national recognition from government, private industry, and community groups.
An advocate for human rights, Hispanic and other minorities nationwide, Jaramillo served as president of National Image, Inc., a national Hispanic civil rights organization. She served on the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs, Governor Atiyeh's Education Mission and as president of the Oregon Women's Political Caucus. She also served on the Oregon Progress Board, the Oregon Sustainability Board and the Federal Forestlands Advisory Committee to the Department of Forestry.
Her community involvement includes the Marys Peak Natural Resources Interpretive Center, United Way, the Prosperity that Fits Steering Committee for the Economic Vitality Partnership, the Oregon Affiliate and National Board of the American Civil Liberties Union, and Children First for Oregon.
During her career as County Commissioner, Jaramillo was avid advocate for the conservation of natural resources and wildlife, and equity in employment and service to the community. As the author of Benton County's sustainability policy, Jaramillo has led Benton County to ensure environmental protections while meeting social needs and maintaining economic prosperity.
Some of her proudest accomplishments while in office, include dedicating the Beazell Memorial Forest, Fitton Green Natural Area, Fort Hoskins Historical Park and the boardwalk at Jackson-Frazier Wetland; establishing the county’s system of federally qualified health centers; preserving the Bailey Branch right of way for a rails-to-trails conversion; and taking action for marriage equality.
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Introducing Benton County's new brand
Benton County's new brand and visual identity officially launched on January 1, 2021 with a new logo, color palette and branded fonts. The County specifically focused on the new branding theme feeling modernized, dynamic and built around the community it serves.
Users of the county website will notice an updated look that corresponds with the branding effort. Though the colors and fonts have changed to align with the brand, the content and layout of the website have remained the same. In addition to changes to the website, the County has released a brand launch video and shifted its' social media profiles to the new logo and brand colors.
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Sheriff Scott Jackson to retire February 1, 2021
Jackson started his career at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in 1995 as a part-time on-call Corrections Deputy. Within a few months, he was hired full-time where he has served the Benton County community since. He has held multiple positions within the Sheriff's Office including Deputy, Corporal, Sergeant, Training/Policy Sergeant, Lieutenant (Jail Commander), and in 2008 was promoted to Undersheriff where he oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff's Office.
In his time as Sheriff, Jackson has embodied a commitment to both protect and serve the community of Benton County. His commitment to service has taken shape in many forms through his attention and dedication to community engagement. Jackson has participated closely in, or sponsored the following annual events:
- Mounted Posse Special Needs Ride Event – a horse-riding event for children with special needs.
- Public Safety Chili Cook-Off – A cooking competition between local law enforcement and other public safety agencies.
- Marys Peak Clean-up – A clean-up event at the Mary’s Peak Rock Quarry.
- Drug Take-Back Event – An event for community members to safely dispose of prescriptions that are no longer needed.
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County offices remain open for business, public access closed
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This change does not apply to the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties, the Sheriff’s Office or the District Attorney’s Office.
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County services remain available online or over the phone, and in some cases, in-person by appointment.
Board of Commissioner meetings and advisory committee meetings remain open to the public and are available online through GoToMeeting.
Service adjustments are being undertaken in accordance with Governor Brown's Risk and Protection Framework. As of December 29, 2020, Benton County remains in the “Extreme” risk category for an additional two-week period. Given this information, the rise in local case counts, and the holiday season, Benton County is extending office closures for in-person public access.
Although there is limited public access to county buildings, the county business operations will continue to serve the public as listed.
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Tintle selected as next Benton County Chief Financial Officer
Robert Tintle will serve as the next Benton County Chief Financial Officer and Financial Services Department Director, beginning on January 11, 2021.
Since 2016, Robert Tintle has held the position of appointed County Treasurer and Financial Services Manager for Lane County, Oregon. Prior to his current role, Tintle spent eleven years serving the City of Eugene as the Director of Finance and Administration/Airport (2005-2010) and Public Works Administration Director (2010-2016).
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CONTACT
Alyssa Rash
Benton County Public Information Officer
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