Benton County public meetings in 2021
32 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Board of Commissioners
The Board directed staff and LRS Architects to proceed with the architectural design phase for the Benton County Event Center & Fairgrounds exhibit hall and covered arena, based on work session discussions. The Board also expressed a preference for self-funding the county's $20.4 million match for the new courthouse (Option 3), though no formal motion was made. Several other items were approved, including a first reading of a code enforcement ordinance, a fire district annexation, and 2022 fee increases.
- Approved motion to proceed with architectural design for fairgrounds exhibit hall and covered arena (3-0)
- Expressed preference for Option 3: self-fund $20.4M courthouse match, DA offices bond-dependent (no formal vote)
- Approved consent calendar including October 26, 2021 minutes, as amended (3-0)
- Conducted first reading of Ordinance No. 2021-0307 amending Chapter 31 (Enforcement) (3-0)
- Approved Order #2021-081 for annexation into Hoskins-Kings Valley RFPD (3-0)
- Approved May 28, 2019 board meeting minutes (2-0, Wyse abstained)
- Approved Order #D2021-079A setting 2022 fees for Community Development, NAPE, and Public Works (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners expressed support for a May 2023 bond measure date for the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), instead of November 2022. The board also unanimously approved recommending Carla Jones for the position of Community Health Centers (CHC) director, effective December 2, 2021. The meeting included executive sessions on property transactions, employment, and labor negotiations.
- Approved recommending Carla Jones as CHC director effective Dec. 2, 2021 (3-0)
- Expressed support for a JSIP bond measure date of May 2023
- Held executive sessions for property negotiations, public officer employment, and labor negotiations
Board of Commissioners
The Board directed staff to bring proposed amendments to County Code Chapter 31 (Enforcement) to a public hearing for potential adoption, aiming to meet federal stormwater permit requirements. It also approved three orders: a sole-source contract with Oregon Family Support Network, funding for transit projects (fareless Philomath Connection and dispatch software), and advance property tax payments to small taxing districts. Proclamations for Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day were adopted, and the consent calendar was approved.
- Directed staff to bring Chapter 31 Enforcement amendments to public hearing (3-0)
- Approved Order #D2021-072 sole-source contract with Oregon Family Support Network (3-0)
- Approved Order #D2021-074 STIF funding for Philomath Connection fareless service and BAT dispatch upgrade (3-0)
- Approved Order #D2021-075 advance property tax payments to small taxing districts (3-0)
- Proclaimed November 2021 Native American Heritage Month (3-0)
- Proclaimed November 11, 2021 Veterans Day (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar including HOPE committee appointment and prior minutes (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board unanimously approved a motion to support the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office in creating a statewide Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program. The work session also included a report on the e-bicycle rebate program. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting included an executive session on labor negotiations and real estate.
- Approved motion to support statewide C-PACE program (3-0)
- Added executive session on labor negotiations and real estate to agenda
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved the 2022 Environmental Health fee schedule with no fee increases, and a 50% reduction for onsite wastewater system repairs. The board also adopted an order transferring financial authority to new CFO Rick Crager, approved a second reading of an ordinance dissolving the Emergency Medical Advisory Committee, and endorsed a letter requesting state funding for eviction mediation services.
- Approved 2022 Environmental Health fee schedule with no increases (3-0)
- Adopted Order #D2021-071 granting banking authority to CFO Rick Crager (3-0)
- Approved second reading of Ordinance #2018-0287 amending Ambulance Service Area Plan (3-0)
- Approved proclamation declaring October as Great Oregon ShakeOut Month (3-0)
- Endorsed letter to Oregon Legislature requesting funding for eviction mediation (3-0)
- Approved September 21, 2021 meeting minutes (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a $75,000 contribution to Corvallis Housing First for repairs and renovations to Third Street Commons, a shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The board also enacted an ordinance amending the county's Transient Lodging Tax to be collected by the state, approved the 2021-2023 Community Corrections Plan, and approved a 2.9% salary schedule adjustment for non-represented employees. The board discussed, but did not decide on, the site for the Justice System Improvement Program.
- Approved $75,000 contribution to Corvallis Housing First for Third Street Commons renovations (3-0)
- Enacted Ordinance #2021-0306 amending Transient Lodging Tax, effective November 5, 2021 (3-0)
- Approved 2021-2023 Community Corrections Plan and IGA #6152 with State of Oregon (3-0)
- Approved 2.9% salary schedule adjustment for non-represented employees, effective July 1, 2021 (3-0)
- Approved $600 recognition payment and 3-5 health/wellness days for eligible employees (3-0)
- Designated November 26 and December 23, 2021 as holidays for eligible employees (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar including appointments to Library Board and Community Services Consortium (3-0)
- Forwarded Environmental Health 2022 Fee Schedule to October 19, 2021 meeting for approval (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners held a work session to discuss the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), including public engagement results and a comparison of two potential suburban sites (south and west of Corvallis) for new justice facilities. No formal decision was made; the Board directed staff to gather more information, including updated cost estimates and site comparison matrices, for a preliminary recommendation at the October 13, 2021 public meeting and a final site decision targeted for October 19, 2021. The Board also heard presentations from service providers for housing-insecure residents and received an annual report from the Economic Development Office.
- Discussed Justice System Improvement Program site selection; no decision made, further analysis requested
- Heard presentations from housing service providers (DHS, Community Services Consortium, Vina Moses Center); no action taken
- Received FY 20/21 annual report from Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office; no formal action recorded
- Added Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(e) - Real Estate to the agenda
- Directed staff to update site comparison matrix and correct cost-per-acre error for JSIP sites
- Requested pro/con summaries from advisory committees, not firm recommendations, for October 13 meeting
Board of Commissioners
The Board voted 2-0 to initiate the legislative process to amend the County's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map to expand the Adair Village Urban Growth Boundary (UGB), a step toward adding approximately 55 acres for housing. The Board also approved a supplemental budget (Resolution #R2021-024) increasing appropriations by $1,821,934, and approved the annexation of the Dumbeck Lane Domestic Water Supply District into the North Albany County Service District (Order D2021-065) and its subsequent dissolution (Order D2021-066).
- Initiated legislative process to expand Adair Village UGB (2-0)
- Approved Supplemental Budget #22031, Resolution #R2021-024 (2-0)
- Approved annexation of Dumbeck Lane Water District into North Albany CSD, Order D2021-065 (2-0)
- Dissolved Dumbeck Lane Domestic Water Supply District, Order D2021-066 (2-0)
- Approved Notice of Intent to apply for FLAP grant for South Fork Road Corridor (2-0)
- Established new Client Services Representative position in Health Services (2-0)
- Approved United Way payroll deduction application (2-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar including OYA lease extension and appointment (2-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a $500 incentive for fully vaccinated employees, with an additional $250 for boosters, despite concerns about cost and effectiveness. The Board also set the Justice System Improvement Program bond measure for November 2022, forwarded a supplemental budget to a public hearing, and adopted several ordinances and proclamations.
- Approved employee vaccine incentive: $500 for full vaccination by Dec 1, 2021, plus $250 for booster by Dec 31, 2022 (2-1)
- Set JSIP bond measure for November 2022 election (3-0)
- Forwarded supplemental budget #22031 to Sept 21 public hearing (3-0)
- Adopted Ordinance #2021-0306 amending Transient Lodging Tax code (3-0)
- Adopted Ordinance #2021-0304 revising floodplain codes (3-0)
- Adopted Ordinance #2021-0305 extending interim vehicle camping code to Dec 2022 (3-0)
- Adopted Policy A108: County Response to Major Disasters (3-0)
- Accepted 2020 Republic Services and Coffin Butte Landfill annual reports (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners supported closing county facility lobbies to public access due to the COVID-19 Delta surge, with services to be provided by phone, internet, or appointment. The closure is expected to last at least 30-60 days. The meeting also included updates from the Cascades West Council of Governments, the Corvallis-Benton County Library, behavioral health service providers, and the Department Operations Center, but no formal votes were taken on these items.
- Supported closing county facility lobbies to public access (no formal vote recorded)
- Added executive sessions for real estate transactions and labor negotiations
- Approved agenda with added executive sessions
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted Order No. D2021-063 requiring masks or face coverings in indoor and outdoor public settings, with outdoor masking required where 6-foot distancing is not feasible. The board also approved first readings for floodplain code revisions and an extension of vehicle camping at religious institutions, and approved a $250,000 grant application for Linn-Benton Food Share.
- Adopted Order No. D2021-063 requiring masks in indoor and outdoor public settings (3-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 2021-0304 revising floodplain codes (3-0)
- Approved first reading of ordinance extending vehicle camping sunset to Dec. 31, 2022 (3-0)
- Adopted Order No. 2021-061 to annex Dumbeck Lane water district into North Albany CSD (3-0)
- Approved $250,000 CDBG application for Linn-Benton Food Share (3-0)
- Accepted NW Stone Ridge Avenue segment into county road system (3-0)
- Enacted Ordinance No. 2021-0303 amending county contracts code (3-0)
- Named 4500 SW Research Way the 'Kalapuya Building' (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners held a work session and business meeting on August 3, 2021. They directed staff to proceed with a public hearing on proposed floodplain code revisions, approved a 5-year social gathering permit for the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire, and enacted an ordinance updating the county's contracting code. The board also approved several appointments and meeting minutes.
- Directed staff to proceed to a public hearing on August 17, 2021 for proposed floodplain code revisions (3-0)
- Approved 5-year Social Gathering Permit #21-001 for the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire (3-0)
- Enacted Ordinance No. 2021-0303 amending Benton County Code Chapter 2 (contracting) and conducted first reading (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar items 5.1, 5.2, and 5.4 (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar item 5.3 (July 1, 2021 Joint City/County Meeting Minutes) with a name correction (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners held a work session and business meeting with no formal votes or decisions. They heard presentations from community organizations on homelessness services, the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission, and continued discussions on the Justice System Improvement Project, including facility options for a potential bond measure. No substantive actions were taken.
- No formal decisions or votes taken during the meeting
- Agenda approved without changes
- Discussed homelessness service providers' roles in HOPE recommendations
- Reviewed Criminal Justice Commission grant opportunities and data dashboards
- Continued discussion on Justice System Improvement Project facilities, no final decision
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a four-year collective bargaining agreement with the Oregon Nurses Association, covering July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2025, with salary increases of 2% in 2022 and 3.5% in 2023 and 2024. The Board also initiated the annexation of the Dumbeck Lane Water District into the North Albany County Service District, setting a public hearing for August 17, 2021. Additionally, the Board directed staff to prepare an ordinance extending the sunset date for Chapter 40, which allows vehicle camping at religious institutions, and moved the Shrewsbury Renaissance Festival's five-year permit application to a public hearing on August 3, 2021.
- Approved 2021-2025 Oregon Nurses Association collective bargaining agreement (3-0)
- Approved Dumbeck Resolution #22-01 to initiate annexation into North Albany County Service District (3-0)
- Set public hearing for August 17, 2021 on Dumbeck Lane Water District annexation (3-0)
- Directed staff to prepare ordinance extending Chapter 40 vehicle camping sunset date (3-0)
- Moved Shrewsbury Renaissance Festival 5-year permit application to August 3, 2021 public hearing (3-0)
- Approved June 1, 2021 Board meeting minutes as amended (3-0)
- Approved June 15, 2021 Board meeting minutes (3-0)
- Approved June 22, 2021 Board meeting minutes (2-0, Malone abstained)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved the Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Corvallis for the Corvallis-Benton Economic Development Office for FY2021-2023, with a total budget of $149,384 plus pass-through funding. The approval included four changes: correcting the document title, adding a 90-day termination notice, removing the Corvallis Foundry from the list of contracted entities, and clarifying funding language. The Board also approved the consent calendar, which included rescinding the county's mask requirement and making appointments to advisory boards.
- Approved FY21-23 Economic Development IGA with four amendments (2-0)
- Approved consent calendar including Resolution #2021-022 rescinding mask requirement (2-0)
- Approved appointments to Library, Food Service, Historic Resources, Mental Health, Natural Areas & Parks, and Property Tax Appeals boards
- Approved May 25, 2021 meeting minutes
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted 2-0 to adopt Order No. D2021-052, extending the declared state of local emergency through September 30, 2021. The board also approved a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant application to support K-8 students. Economic development funding decisions for SBDC and RAIN were tabled for the July 6, 2021 meeting.
- Approved Order No. D2021-052 extending the declared state of local emergency through September 30, 2021.
- Approved the application for a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $250,000 to support students in grades K-8 in Benton County.
- Approved the Consent Calendar of June 22, 2021, including the Joint City-County Work Session Minutes of May 20, 2021.
- Moved to bring the economic development funding item back for approval at the July 6, 2021 Board Meeting.
- Approved the June 22, 2021 portion of the minutes upon reconvening on June 23, 2021.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted the FY 2021-23 county budget and a supplemental budget, approved insurance renewals for property, liability, and workers' compensation, accepted a right-of-way dedication, approved a sole-source animal shelter contract, and accepted the HOPE recommendations on homelessness. All decisions passed 3-0.
- Adopted FY 2021-23 budget of $362,951,535 (3-0)
- Adopted Supplemental Budget #21121 increasing appropriations by $9,423,528 (3-0)
- Approved property, liability, and workers' comp insurance renewals for FY 2021-22 (3-0)
- Accepted right-of-way dedication from Glorietta Bay LLC for 19th Street (3-0)
- Approved sole-source contract with Heartland Humane Society for animal shelter services (3-0)
- Accepted HOPE recommendations on homelessness (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar including liquor/tobacco license renewals and appointments (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved a $9.4 million supplemental budget for the 2019-21 biennium, including $9 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, and directed staff to proceed with amending the Development Code to comply with federal floodplain regulations. The board also approved a sole-source contract for courthouse security, extended two health insurance outreach grants, and proclaimed June as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month.
- Approved supplemental budget #21121 with $9,423,528 net appropriation increase (3-0)
- Directed staff to proceed with floodplain Development Code amendment process (3-0)
- Approved sole source contract with DPI Group for courthouse security, Order D2021-043 (3-0)
- Approved submitting Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace Community Partner Program grant application (3-0)
- Approved submitting Oregon Health Authority Community Partners Grant application (3-0)
- Proclaimed June 2021 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a plan to pilot an ADA checklist to ensure services include people with developmental and other disabilities. The board also approved the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development work plan. No formal votes were taken on these items; the board expressed approval during discussion.
- Approved agenda as amended (3-0)
- Approved CBED work plan for 2021-2023
- Approved plan to pilot ADA checklist for disability inclusion
Board of Commissioners
The Board unanimously approved the Vaccine Equity Plan submitted to OHA, accepted a restrictive covenant and an easement from Pony Dreams LLC for future road and utility purposes, and renewed subscriptions to Capital Press and the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce. The Board also approved the consent calendar, including an amendment to the economic development contract with the City of Corvallis. No public comment was offered.
- Approved Vaccine Equity Plan submitted to OHA (3-0)
- Accepted restrictive covenant from Pony Dreams LLC for future road/utility dedication (3-0)
- Accepted easement from Pony Dreams LLC for road right-of-way and utility purposes (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar including economic development contract amendment and April 6 minutes (3-0)
- Renewed Capital Press subscription ($55/year)
- Renewed Corvallis Chamber of Commerce membership ($1,500/year)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved a letter of commitment supporting the Sheriff's Office Justice Reinvestment Grant application, which aims to reduce recidivism and prison bed use. They also approved several proclamations, including Public Service Recognition Week, National Public Works Week, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Drug Treatment Court Month, Military Appreciation Month, and Older Americans Month. The Board approved the consent calendar items, including the Justice Reinvestment letter and meeting minutes, and supported a letter for OSU Extension Service funding. The meeting included work session updates on COVID-19 response and greenhouse gas emissions, but no formal decisions were made on those topics.
- Approved letter of commitment for Justice Reinvestment Grant (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar items 5.1 and 5.3 (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar item 5.2 (2-0, Wyse abstained)
- Approved proclamation P2021-013 for Public Service Recognition Week (3-0)
- Approved proclamation for National Public Works Week (3-0)
- Approved proclamation for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (3-0)
- Approved proclamation for Drug Treatment Court Month (3-0)
- Approved proclamation for Military Appreciation Month (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners unanimously endorsed the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) Predesign Plan, which outlines planning for justice system facilities and programs leading to a potential May 2022 bond measure. The board also approved two ordinances: one aligning ballot measure filing deadlines with state rules, and another exempting equines (horses, donkeys, mules) from the county's exotic animal ban. Additionally, the board directed staff to draft a resolution declaring racism a public health crisis and agreed to resume in-person meetings in late June or early July 2021.
- Endorsed Justice System Improvement Program Plan for Predesign Phase (3-0)
- Enacted Ordinance 2021-0301 amending ballot measure rules (3-0)
- Enacted Ordinance 2021-0302 exempting equines from exotic animal ban (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar with three appointments (3-0)
- Directed staff to draft resolution declaring racism a public health crisis
- Agreed to resume in-person board meetings late June/early July 2021
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a $6,048,930 supplemental budget for the 2019-21 biennium, which includes $5 million in FEMA funds for pandemic expenses and $384,686 for the Adult Drug Treatment Court. The board also approved signing a four-county broadband feasibility study agreement (2-1) and a support letter for the Governor's broadband initiative. Additionally, the board approved the 2020 Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program Annual Report and proclaimed May 2021 as Historic Preservation Month.
- Approved Supplemental Budget #21101, increasing appropriations by $6,048,930 (3-0)
- Approved signing four-county broadband agreement and authorized Chair to sign (2-1, Wyse opposed)
- Approved support letter for Governor's broadband initiative (3-0)
- Approved 2020 Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program Annual Report (3-0)
- Proclaimed May 2021 as Historic Preservation Month (3-0)
- Approved Consent Calendar including minutes from Feb 23, Mar 2, and Mar 16 meetings (3-0)
- Approved letter of support for Tobacco Prevention and Education Program grant (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved extending the local state of emergency for COVID-19 through June 30, 2021, and approved a supplemental budget package to be heard publicly on April 20. The board also enacted first readings of ordinances amending ballot measure filing deadlines and the animal control code, and approved several resolutions and appointments.
- Extended local state of emergency through June 30, 2021 (3-0)
- Moved Supplemental Budget #21101 to April 20 public hearing (3-0)
- Enacted Ordinance 2021-0301 amending ballot measure filing deadlines (3-0)
- Enacted Ordinance 2021-0302 excluding Equidae from exotic animal ban (3-0)
- Adopted resolution affirming Fair Housing Amendments support (3-0)
- Established Finance Systems Analyst position (3-0)
- Approved CAFFA grant application for $2,897,492 (3-0)
- Earmarked $1,000 for NAACP Juneteenth Celebration (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the COVID-19 donated leave policy, allowing employees to donate vacation or personal leave to colleagues affected by COVID-19. The board also discussed the American Rescue Plan funding and received updates from the Marys River Watershed Council and small business development partners. No public comment was offered.
- Approved motion to decline the Community Dispute Resolution grant, leaving granting authority with the University of Oregon (passed 3-0).
- Approved motion to amend the COVID-19 donated leave policy, allowing employees to transfer or donate accrued vacation or personal leave for COVID-19-related reasons (passed 3-0).
- Discussed but did not vote on the American Rescue Plan funding allocation; staff will continue planning and update the board in 2-4 weeks.
- Discussed but did not vote on Emergency Operations Center staffing; staff will authorize up to 1,000 temporary labor hours per week, funded by FEMA.
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners adopted the Forest Resource Stewardship Plan Update (2021-2030) and its addendum, directing the Natural Areas, Parks and Events department to begin implementation. The board also approved several other items, including appointing Carla Jones as Interim Community Health Center Director, extending the recruitment list for that position, and adopting weight limit postings for three county bridges.
- Adopted Forest Resource Stewardship Plan Update (2021-2030) and Plan Addendum (3-0)
- Appointed Carla Jones as Interim Community Health Center Director (3-0)
- Approved exception to extend CHC Director recruitment list to April 30, 2021 (3-0)
- Conducted second reading of Ordinance 2021-0300 amending Chapter 23 Solid Waste Management (3-0)
- Adopted weight limit posting on East Ingram Island Road Bridge (3-0)
- Adopted weight limit posting on Bundy Road Bridge (3-0)
- Adopted weight limit posting on McFarland Road Bridge (3-0)
- Approved renaming SW Wattenpaugh Avenue to SW Watenpaugh Avenue (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners adopted Resolution R2021-002, submitting a five-year local option levy renewal to voters on the May 18, 2021 ballot. The levy would maintain the current tax rate of $0.90 per $1,000 of assessed value, funding public health, safety, and corrections services. The Board also approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 23 (Solid Waste Management) of the County Code, with a second reading scheduled for March 16, 2021.
- Adopted Resolution R2021-002 to place a five-year local option levy renewal on the May 18, 2021 ballot (3-0)
- Approved first reading of Ordinance 2021-0300 amending Chapter 23 (Solid Waste Management) (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar items 5.2 and 5.3, including COVID-19 emergency leave extension for ONA and January 19, 2021 minutes (3-0)
- Approved item 5.1 with modifications, appointing negotiating teams for AFSCME and ONA (3-0)
- Proclaimed March 2021 as Women's History Month (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners discussed the Fair Board's concerns about the Exotic Animal Ordinance (EAO), which inadvertently bans horses and other animals, impacting fairgrounds events. The Board directed staff to work with County Counsel to amend the ordinance to exclude the family Equidae (horses, donkeys, zebras) in the near term, and to convene a working group to evaluate the broader ordinance. The Board also reviewed survey results for the proposed Public Health and Safety Local Option Levy renewal, which showed 66% support when voters were given summary information. The Board approved the consent calendar, appointing Andrew Freborg to the Board of Property Tax Appeals.
- Approved agenda (3-0)
- Approved consent calendar, appointing Andrew Freborg to Board of Property Tax Appeals (3-0)
- Directed staff to amend Exotic Animal Ordinance to exclude Equidae (horses, donkeys, zebras)
- Directed staff to convene working group to evaluate broader Exotic Animal Ordinance
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners approved Ordinance 2021-0299, increasing building permit, inspection, and service fees by approximately 15% (with a 2% adjustment to the structural fee calculator), effective April 1, 2021. The Board also approved the Special Transportation Advisory Committee's funding recommendations for the 2021-23 biennium, the submission of a ballot title for the Public Health and Safety Local Option Levy renewal, and a memorandum of agreement with the Deputy Sheriffs' Association updating COVID emergency leave. All votes were unanimous (3-0).
- Adopted Ordinance 2021-0299 setting building permit fees (3-0)
- Approved STAC recommendations for 2021-23 Special Transportation Funds (3-0)
- Approved SEL 805 ballot title submission for Public Health and Safety Levy renewal (3-0)
- Approved BCDSA COVID Emergency Leave MOA (3-0)
- Appointed Chas Jones to Budget Committee (3-0)
- Approved letter supporting SB 587 tobacco retail licensure (3-0)
- Supported joint AOC-LOC letter on emergency rental assistance (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved two motions to support COVID-19 response staffing. The first motion supported FEMA-reimbursable positions for the Emergency Operations Center and vaccine clinics, and the second supported converting two temporary case investigator positions to limited duration roles funded by CARES. Both motions passed 2-0. The board also discussed resource needs for the vaccine rollout, including a Spanish writer, volunteer coordinator, call center staff, and communications support.
- Approved support for FEMA positions for EOC and vaccine clinic resource needs (2-0)
- Approved converting two case investigator positions from temporary to limited duration using CARES funding (2-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board approved Ordinance 2021-0299, which raises building permit fees by an average of 6% (with a proposed 15% increase on some fees) for the first time since 2010. The Board also approved the transfer of a segment of South 13th Street to the City of Philomath, accepted the STIF funding recommendations for transit projects, and approved a new children's mental health program. All votes were unanimous (3-0).
- Approved Ordinance 2021-0299 raising building permit fees (3-0)
- Approved transferring South 13th Street jurisdiction to Philomath (3-0)
- Approved STIF FY 2022-23 funding recommendations (3-0)
- Approved Children and Family Outpatient Mental Health Treatment Program (3-0)
- Approved proclamation for Black History and Black Futures Month (3-0)
- Approved letter supporting direct federal stimulus checks to students (3-0)
- Approved support for HB 2165 to promote electric vehicles (3-0)
- Directed staff to prepare Chapter 23 solid waste amendments for public hearing (3-0)
Board of Commissioners
The Board of Commissioners discussed and approved updates to the COVID Emergency Leave Policy and the related Memorandum of Agreement with AFSCME, extending the policy through June 30, 2021. The updates add eligibility for situations previously covered by the expired federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act and limit advanced sick leave accrual to employees with 12 months or less service, capped at 40 hours. The board also received reports from the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District, the Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office, and the Cascades West Council of Governments, and discussed a Notice of Intent to apply for a federal Second Chance Act grant, but no formal action was taken on the grant.
- Approved extension of COVID Emergency Leave Policy and AFSCME MOA through June 30, 2021
- Approved adding FFCRA-covered situations to COVID leave eligibility
- Approved limiting advanced sick leave to employees with ≤12 months service, max 40 hours
- Received annual report from Benton Soil & Water Conservation District
- Received quarterly report from Corvallis-Benton County Economic Development Office
- Received quarterly update from Cascades West Council of Governments and Veteran's Services
- Discussed Notice of Intent for BJA 21 Second Chance Act grant (no action taken)