March 28, 2024                                               View as Webpage

Listen to Episode 9 of the Benton County Public Podcast!

The Benton County Public Podcast is pleased to announce the release of Episode 9, now available for streaming and download. This episode delves into diverse topics about our community to foster dialogue and understanding.

Listen to Episode 9 of the Benton County Public Podcast.

Officials hear from Alsea residents at Government Corner

Alsea residents showed up to be heard by local elected officials on March 16 at the Alsea Community Library, where county and state officials gathered with around 40 locals to emphasize the importance of community participation in shaping the area’s future.

The event, called Government Corner, saw the likes of Benton County Commissioner Xan Augerot, Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall, and State Senator Dick Anderson, among others, engaging with residents. 

One focus of the event was to encourage Alsea citizens to take an active role in the Alsea Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC), a platform designed to amplify local voices on county-level decisions.

Commissioner Augerot emphasized the significance, particularly as Benton County gears up to revise its Comprehensive Plan, a blueprint for future development. Augerot stressed that the best way for Alsea’s concerns to be reflected in the plan is through active participation in the CAC, which is slated to meet in April.

The committee, composed of five voting members and two alternates living in or owning property in Alsea, currently has vacancies. New members will be elected during upcoming meetings, offering community members a direct channel to influence land use policies.

Beyond land use, residents raised a spectrum of concerns, from healthcare access to wildfire prevention and criminal justice reform. Representatives assured attendees of ongoing efforts to secure federal funding for critical services like the Alsea Health Clinic.

Read the full article.

Environmental stewardship on display during Sustainability Coalition Fair & Townhall

Benton County had the opportunity to showcase the part it plays in the betterment of the region during a recent local gathering. The Oregon State Alumni Center was a busy place on March 7 as an estimated 1,000 persons attended the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition’s annual Fair and Town Hall. 

The impact of our day-to-day actions on the environment and how each of us can promote its sustainability was the focus of the event. Benton County along with the county’s Soil and Water District, and many others participated to highlight important sustainability efforts. 

Read the full article. 

Sheriff’s Office Hosts Drug Take Back Event

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is hosting a Drug Take Back Event on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This event allows the public to safely dispose of expired or unused medications.

This is a one-day, drive-thru event at 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis. Those interested in dropping off at this location are asked to enter the parking lot off Research Way and follow the signs and directions of the volunteers.

Benton County’s Chief Financial Officer Rick Crager promoted to Assistant County Administrator

Benton County has promoted Rick Crager to the new Assistant County Administrator.

“Rick has demonstrated a proven track record in financial management and bringing teams together. He has been an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said Benton County Administrator Rachel McEneny. “After working closely with Rick, it was an obvious choice.”

Crager has served as the County’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since 2021 and served as interim County Administrator in September 2023. As CFO, Crager shepherded Benton County’s more than $485 million 2023-25 Biennium budget that passed in May of 2023. In that very same year, the County received a credit upgrade from Moody’s Investor Services.

Learn more about Rick.

Benton County employee spotlight: going beyond the call of duty

In a world where integrity often goes unnoticed, a group of individuals at the Corvallis Community Health Center recently proved that small gestures make a difference. On March 19, Sarah Severns, Gabriella Meza, and Jaunita Spann, were honored by their supervisor Carol Rouleau with Benton County Board of Commissioners Office Challenge Coins for their display of camaraderie and compassion.

Rouleau, the Compliance and HIM Manager at the clinic reflected on the incident that led to this recognition. 

"These ladies did an awesome job," she said. "A couple of weeks ago, they walked in to find a hazardous situation near the entrance of our building. Broken glass littered the path, making it treacherous for both patrons and employees."

Without hesitation, Rouleau said Severns, Meza, and Spann sprang into action. Armed with brooms, boxes, and gloves, they swiftly cleared the area, ensuring safe passage for everyone entering the clinic. Rouleau emphasized their selflessness, noting that they weren't asked to help but did so willingly, embodying Benton County's motto of being "At your service every day."

Deputy Davis graduates from the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Standards (DPSST) Academy

Deputy Davis recently graduated from the Oregon DPSST Academy.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office is thankful for Deputy Davis’s dedication to the community!