Benton County public meetings in 2023

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a $17.43 million budget adjustment for the 2023-25 biennium and a resolution to form a tri-county Continuum of Care for homelessness. The Board also renamed the Board of Property Tax Appeals and updated its member terms. A requested solid waste rate increase was postponed pending an annual report.

• Approved $17.43M supplemental budget adjustment (3-0)
• Approved Resolution R2023-028 to establish a tri-county Continuum of Care for homelessness (3-0)
• Renamed Board of Property Tax Appeals to Property Value Appeal Board and increased member terms to two years (3-0)
• Approved appointments and reappointments to various boards and commissions (3-0)
• Appointed Sharon Thornberry to the Community Services Consortium Community Action Advisory Council (3-0)
• Continued public hearing on Republic Services rate increase to January 16, 2024
• Approved redline version of Ordinance #2023-0322 with specific language addition to BCC 9.810(2)(d) (2-1)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is conducting a work session to discuss the implementation of the HB 5019 Community Plan for the Coordinated Homeless Response Office. The meeting also includes discussions regarding labor negotiations and contract ratifications.

• Update on Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office implementation of HB 5019 Community Plan
• Ratification of Letter of Acceptance with Benton County Deputy Sheriff’s Association-Teamsters
• Designation of Management Representatives Team for AFSCME contract negotiations
• Executive session regarding labor negotiations

The Board approved a settlement regarding health insurance payroll adjustments for new employees and appointed a management team for AFSCME contract negotiations. The session also included extensive discussion on homelessness strategies and potential positions on Measure 110.

• Ratified Letter of Agreement with Benton County Deputy Sheriff's Association-Teamsters (3-0)
• Appointed Ricky Garcia, Tracy Martineau, Debbie Sessions, and Gary Stockhoff as AFSCME management representatives (3-0)
• Appointed Jo Missler as AFSCME alternate/observer (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a Letter of Intent to acquire the Hubert McBee Campground and appointed 12 individuals to various road districts. A public hearing on the Exotic Animal Ordinance was continued to December 19, and a proposed $17.34 million supplemental budget was forwarded for a future public hearing.

• Authorized Letter of Intent for acquisition of Hubert McBee Campground (3-0)
• Approved 12 appointments to various Road Districts (3-0)
• Approved Proclamation #P2023-021 for National Rural Health Month (3-0)
• Forwarded $17.34M supplemental budget to Dec 19 public hearing (3-0)
• Continued Exotic Animal Ordinance public hearing to Dec 19

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners voted to suspend all DSAC meetings and activities due to reports of a toxic workplace and threats of violence. The Board also approved several fee increases for the Sheriff's Office and various county departments, and authorized the purchase of real property for behavioral health programs.

• Suspended DSAC meetings and activity until a plan is presented after January 1, 2024 (3-0)
• Approved revised fee schedule for Sheriff's Office Civil Division real and personal property sales (3-0)
• Approved revised 2024 fees for Public Works, Community Development, and Planning (3-0)
• Approved revised Technology Acceptable Use Policy (3-0)
• Appointed Steven Chase as Chair and appointed members to the Ad Hoc Sustainable Materials Management Planning Committee (3-0)
• Approved $300 donation to the Corvallis Multi-Cultural Literacy Center fundraiser (3-0)
• Directed staff to pursue purchase of real property at 4185 Southwest Research Way, Corvallis (3-0)
• Proclaimed November as Native American Heritage Month (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a goal-setting work session to debrief the Justice System Improvement Program Community Forum. The session includes reviewing a report on voter attitudes regarding the recent Measure 2-140 vote, discussing website updates, and reviewing department goals.

• Debrief of Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) Community Forum
• Review of voter sentiment analysis regarding Measure 2-140
• Discussion of final adoption of HOPE Bylaws
• Report on 2040 Department Goals for FY 2021-2023
• IT website update discussion

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a three-year property tax abatement for electronics manufacturer NaturalPoint Inc. and authorized a bidding exemption for the new Emergency Operations Center. The Board decided to restart the process for an exotic animal ordinance amendment to address potential loopholes.

• Approved three-year property tax abatement for NaturalPoint Inc. (3-0)
• Approved bidding exemption for new Emergency Operations Center (3-0)
• Approved Proclamation #P2023-019 designating November as Military Appreciation Month (3-0)
• Approved October 17, 2023 meeting minutes with one correction (3-0)
• Decided to restart the process for Ordinance #2023-0321 regarding exotic animals; ordinance died

Board of Commissioners

This information sharing meeting includes work sessions on refugee presentations and small farm program updates. The Board will also hold a public hearing regarding amendments to Benton County Code, Chapter 9.

• Public Hearing for Ordinance #2023-0321 regarding Benton County Code, Chapter 9
• Approval of the 2024 Fee Schedule for Environmental Health (Order #D2023-076)
• Budget Note: Report on External Fleet
• Budget Note: Community Health Centers Financial Viability
• Authorization of advance property tax payments to municipalities (Order #D2023-077)

The Board adopted a revised Media Policy to increase transparency and conducted a first reading of an amended Wild & Exotic Animal Ordinance. The Board also authorized advance property tax payments to small taxing districts and approved the 2024 Environmental Health fee schedule.

• Approved 2024 Fee Schedule for Environmental Health (3-0)
• Approved first reading of amended Ordinance No. 2023-0321 regarding Wild & Exotic Animals (3-0)
• Adopted revised Media Policy (3-0)
• Authorized $128,334 in advance property tax payments to small taxing districts (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is conducting a goal-setting work session to discuss various county initiatives. Topics include updates on the Coordinated Homeless Response Strategic Plan and the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program.

• Discussion regarding the Exotic Animal Ordinance
• Update on the Coordinated Homeless Response Strategic Plan Adoption
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Program update
• Review of Board Meeting Public Participation and Comment Procedures

The Benton County Board of Commissioners held a goal-setting meeting discussing proposed revisions to the Exotic Animal Ordinance, an update on the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion program, homeless response strategic planning, and public comment procedures. The Board approved the meeting agenda but took no final legislative actions, directing staff to return with draft amendments and policies for future public hearings.

• Approved meeting agenda (unanimous voice vote)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners enacted an ordinance to amend the Adair Village Urban Growth Boundary, adding 0.12 acres of land to the boundary. Commissioners also approved a grant application to the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development for long-range planning assistance. Additionally, the Board proclaimed October 15 through November 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month.

• Enacted Ordinance #2023-0320 regarding Adair Village UGB (3-0)
• Approved DLCD technical assistance grant application (2-1)
• Proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Month (3-0)
• Approved consent calendar with removal of item 5.3 (3-0)
• Appointed Jennifer McPike to Food Service Advisory Committee (3-0)
• Appointed Sarah Bronstein to State Transportation Improvement Fund Committee (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a $20,000 contract with Rural Prosperity Partners to facilitate the Broadband Action Team. The Board also enacted an ordinance amending the Adair Village Urban Growth Boundary and approved a new Media Relations and Strategic Communications Policy.

• Approved $20,000 contract with Rural Prosperity Partners, LLC for Broadband Action Team services (3-0)
• Enacted Ordinance #2023-0320 amending the Adair Village Urban Growth Boundary (3-0)
• Approved Media Relations and Strategic Communications Policy (3-0)
• Authorized application for the Oregon Heritage Grant for Fort Hoskins (3-0)
• Appointed Commissioner Wyse as liaison to the Historic Resources Commission (3-0)
• Approved appointments of Vince Adams and Kristi Collins to the Community Services Consortium Community Action Advisory Council (3-0)
• Proclaimed September 2023 as National Suicide Prevention Month (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a work session focused on strategic updates and departmental discussions. The agenda includes reviews of communications, federal legislation, and permitting projects.

• Strategic Communications Update from Public Information Officer Cory Grogan
• Federal Legislative Debrief with Rick Crager and Michael Skipper
• Discussion on Collaborative Permitting Project
• Review of Exotic Animal Ordinance
• Parks Board update regarding Jackson-Frazier Boardwalk effort

The Board reviewed a strategic communications update, a federal legislative debrief on FY 2023 grant outcomes, a collaborative permitting system proposal, and concerns about the Exotic Animal Ordinance. No resolutions were adopted, no votes were recorded, and no items were formally approved, denied, or tabled. The meeting was primarily informational and discussion‑focused.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners reviewed funding sources and three potential sites for a new Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Staff and the Sheriff recommended constructing a new facility on the north site, with the Board discussing three different size and cost models. No final vote on the site or model was recorded in the provided text.

Board of Commissioners

The Board conducted a work session featuring updates on COVID-19 trends, the performance of the Samaritan Treatment and Recovery Services (STARS) facility, and the status of the Adult Drug Treatment Court. No substantive decisions were recorded in the provided minutes.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a work session focused on strategic planning and updates. The agenda includes discussions regarding grant applications, communications, and the Coordinated Homeless Response Office.

• Discussion and action on grant applications and funding requests
• Strategic Communications Update from Public Information Officer Cory Grogan
• Update and discussion of the House Bill 4123 Strategic Plan for the Coordinated Homeless Response Office
• Approval of June 13, 2023, and June 27, 2023, meeting minutes

The Board approved funding for four grant applications totaling $105,960. The session also included discussions on strategic communications, the use of the Pledge of Allegiance at meetings, and homelessness response planning.

• Approved June 13 and June 27, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Approved $10,000 economic development grants each to the Cities of Philomath, Monroe, and Adair Village (3-0)
• Approved $75,960 grant to Community Services Consortium Linn Benton Food Share for emergency food and supplies (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a notice of intent to apply for a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant to create a countywide Safety Action Plan. The plan will identify safety countermeasures for all roads, including freight and multimodal routes.

• Approved Notice of Intent to Apply for Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for a Safety Action Plan (2-0)
• Approved July 18, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes (2-0)
• Approved January 11, 2022 Goal Setting Minutes (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners accepted the 2022 annual report from the Benton Soil & Water Conservation District. The meeting also included a presentation on childcare shortages and the 'Growing Care' recruitment campaign from the Early Learning Hub.

• Accepted 2022 annual report from Benton Soil and Water Conservation District (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved the minutes from the July 5, 2023, meeting. Other business included updates on COVID-19 transmission and the Beazell Forest Harvest project, though no further decisions were recorded in the provided text.

• Approved July 5, 2023 Board Meeting Minutes (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is conducting a work session to discuss various county priorities and updates. Topics include legislative reviews, capital funding, and the recruitment of a new County Administrator.

• Discussion of Community Health Centers Co-applicant Agreement
• Update regarding Adult Drug Treatment Court
• Discussion on Governor’s Executive Order on Homelessness
• 2023-25 Legislative Session Review
• Solid Waste Work group Final Report and Recommendations

The Board of Commissioners approved a revised agreement with Community Health Centers to clarify board authority and executive director roles. The board also received updates on the cessation of the Adult Drug Treatment Court and state funding for homelessness.

• Approved Community Health Centers co-applicant agreement (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved the vacation of two portions of Coon Road to allow for a property subdivision. The Board also approved the consent calendar, including the appointment of Katherine Robertson to the Ridgewood Road District. Discussions were held regarding community engagement following a failed bond measure and options for the new courthouse and District Attorney's Office.

• Approved vacation of two portions of Coon Road (3-0)
• Approved appointment of Katherine Robertson to the Ridgewood Road District (2-0)
• Approved June 6 and June 20, 2023 meeting minutes (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board adopted the biennial budget and tax rate for July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025. The budget includes revenue and debt service reductions following the failure of Bond Measure 2-140 and a correction to landfill host surcharge estimates.

• Adopted Resolution #R2023-009 for a $485,876,360 budget and tax rate of $3.1052 per $1,000 of Assessed Value (2-0)
• Approved Renewal of Annual Liquor Licenses for Fiscal Year 2023-24 (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is conducting a work session to discuss various county topics. Discussions include the Benton County Talks Trash workgroup report and updates on the Adult Drug Treatment Court.

• Presentation of the Benton County Talks Trash (BCTT) Workgroup Final Report
• Discussion of Adult Drug Treatment Court next steps
• Review of Draft Co-Applicant Agreement between Board of Commissioners and Community Health Centers
• Update on County Administrator recruitment
• Amending Resolution R2023-003 regarding financing not to exceed $36,000,000

The Board of Commissioners held a goal-setting work session to review the Benton County Talks Trash (BCTT) Workgroup Final Report. The report provides 124 findings and 94 recommendations regarding landfill capacity, legal land use reviews, and the development of a Sustainable Materials Management Plan (SMMP). No formal votes were taken on the report's recommendations during this session.

• Approved May 9, 2023 Goal-setting Meeting Minutes (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved several committee appointments and meeting minutes. They recognized the Fleet team for ranking fourth among the best public fleets in the U.S. and discussed the future of the Justice System Improvement Program following a failed bond measure.

• Appointed Milt Roselinsky to the Environmental and Natural Resources Advisory Committee
• Appointed Joe Harris to the Mental Health, Addictions, and Developmental Disabilities Advisory Committee
• Ratified support for an OpEd regarding House Bills 2980 and 2981 on housing shortages
• Approved meeting minutes from May 16, 2023, October 25, 2022, and January 2020/November 2019/October 2019 goal setting
• Proclaimed June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month
• Proclaimed June 19, 2023 as Juneteenth in Benton County

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners decided to maintain the current personnel policy requiring department heads to live within a 45-minute commute of the Kalapuya Building. The board also received updates on COVID-19 public health changes and water quality reporting.

• Retained current residence policy for County Administrator recruitment
• Approved May 2, 2023 Meeting Minutes
• Approved September 27, 2022 Information Sharing Minutes
• Approved August 23, 2022 Information Sharing Minutes
• Proclaimed May 2023 as Older Americans Month (Proclamation #P2023-010)
• Proclaimed May as Wildfire Preparedness Month (Proclamation #P2023-011)
• Proclaimed May as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month (Proclamation #P2023-009)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is conducting a work session focused on strategic planning and administrative updates. Discussion topics include county compensation philosophy, recruitment for the County Administrator, and updates regarding the Health Director position.

• Discussion on County Compensation Philosophy with Human Resources and Gallagher and Company
• Update on County Administrator recruitment
• Discussion regarding Health Director/Health Administrator position
• Strategic Communications Update from Public Information Officer Cory Grogan
• Review of the Proclamations Process

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved a schedule for recruiting a new county administrator, including a first application review on May 22, 2023, and finalist interviews on June 28-29, 2023. The board also received an annual update from the Oregon Department of Forestry on fire season, timber revenue, and forest management. No public comments were made, and no substantive decisions were taken on other agenda items.

• Approved county administrator recruitment schedule with first review May 22 and final interviews June 28-29

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a contract amendment for detention beds at the Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility and a support letter for a Justice Reinvestment Grant. Commissioners also approved a letter to the Corvallis City Manager regarding the Justice System Improvement Program. The Board discussed drafting a response to a Gazette-Times editorial concerning homelessness funding.

• Approved appointment of Dan Rayfield to the Linn-Benton Housing Authority (3-0)
• Approved support letter for Justice Reinvestment Grant FY 2023-25 (3-0)
• Approved letter to Corvallis City Manager Mark Shepard regarding JSIP (3-0)
• Approved Amendment 10 to IGA #5264 for Oak Creek Youth Correctional Facility detention space (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved a consent calendar including two advisory board appointments and three proclamations. They also officially proclaimed April 23-29, 2023, as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The Board affirmed a change to receive COVID-19 updates monthly rather than bi-weekly.

• Approved retroactive appointment of Bryce Downey to Natural Areas and Parks Advisory Board (3-0)
• Approved appointment of Morgan Orr to Food Service Advisory Committee (3-0)
• Approved meeting minutes from April 4, 2023, February 16, 2023, and July 26, 2022 (3-0)
• Proclaimed April 2023 as National Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Month (3-0)
• Proclaimed April 9-15, 2023 as Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (3-0)
• Proclaimed April 30, 2023 as Therapy Animal Day (3-0)
• Proclaimed April 23-29, 2023 as National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (3-0)
• Affirmed change of COVID-19 updates from bi-weekly to monthly

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss various departmental updates and strategic topics. The agenda includes discussions on communications, recruitment, and potential vendor exceptions.

• Discussion regarding an exception to purchase from Motorola Solutions as a sole source vendor
• Review and approval of the 2023 Proclamation Schedule
• Update on County Administrator recruitment
• Overview of the Constituent Tracking System
• Strategic Communications Update

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved the annexation of a 1.85-acre property into the Philomath Fire and Rescue District. The Board also accepted right-of-way and easements for Starr Creek Road and approved the 2022 Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program report.

• Approved Order #D2023-037 to annex 1.85 acres into Philomath Fire and Rescue District (3-0)
• Approved Order #D2023-039 revising rock quarry expansion conditions in Case LU-22-047 (3-0)
• Accepted right-of-way dedication and easements for Starr Creek Road from Franklin-Clarkson Timber Company, LLC (3-0)
• Appointed April Holland as proxy for Community Services Consortium Governing Board (3-0)
• Approved 2022 Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program Annual Report (3-0)
• Approved letter of support for Community Outreach, Inc. Good 2 Go Veterans Grant (3-0)
• Approved Consent Calendar including appointment of Randy Carver to Ridgewood Road District (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board approved additional funding to complete the Benton County Talks Trash solid waste process workgroup. They also modified conditions for a quarry expansion and approved a relative farm-help dwelling. The Board formally stated it cannot legally delay land use decisions for the Coffin Butte Landfill as requested by a community petition.

• Approved additional $83,405 for Benton County Talks Trash project (3-0)
• Approved appeal to modify conditions for Alsea Quarries expansion (3-0)
• Adopted Order #D2023-036 approving a relative farm-help dwelling (3-0)
• Accepted reports to close out CDBG Childcare and Food Assistance projects (3-0)
• Approved formal position statement regarding Coffin Butte Landfill petition (3-0)
• Endorsed House Bill 2001-B regarding housing and homelessness (3-0)
• Supported Senate Bill 847-5 moving to work session (3-0)
• Approved March 7, 2023 meeting minutes with one correction (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a goal-setting work session. The agenda consists of updates on county administration, communications, and various sponsorship requests.

• Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee update
• Strategic Communications update
• Sponsorship request for Jackson Street Youth Services' Youth Rising
• Sponsorship request for ABC House's Celebrate Hope event
• County Administrator search process and transition updates

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved the use of LIRPTE and MUPTE tax exemptions to incentivize housing in Corvallis. The Board also conducted first readings for ordinances to amend the stormwater development code and the Adair Village Urban Growth Boundary. Additionally, a $275,000 ARPA business grant program and a new countywide telework policy were approved.

• Approved use of LIRPTE and MUPTE tax exemptions for Corvallis housing (3-0)
• Passed first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-0316 regarding stormwater code amendments (3-0)
• Passed first reading of Ordinance No. 2023-0317 to amend Adair Village Urban Growth Boundary (3-0)
• Adopted Resolution R2023-002 for the Justice System Improvement Program bond measure (3-0)
• Awarded Courthouse/District Attorney CM/GC contract to Hoffman Construction (3-0)
• Approved $275,000 ARPA Business Grant Program plan (3-0)
• Adopted Telework Policy effective March 1, 2023 (3-0)
• Approved January 17 and 24, 2023, and December 6, 2022, meeting minutes (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board appointed two secretaries to special road districts and approved membership dues for the Association of Oregon Counties and the National Association of Counties. The Board also approved a letter of support for a community paths grant. Discussions were held regarding the transition of County Administrator duties following Joe Kerby's resignation.

• Appointed Lee Ann Julson as Secretary for North F Street Road District (3-0)
• Appointed Beverly Kennedy as Secretary for Ridgewood Road District (3-0)
• Approved $39,800.60 for 2023 Association of Oregon Counties membership fees (3-0)
• Approved $1,712.00 for 2023 National Association of Counties dues (3-0)
• Approved letter of support for Greenbelt Land Trust Community Paths Grant (3-0)
• Appointed Andrew Struthers to the Benton County Talks Trash Work Group (3-0)
• Approved January 3, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners decided on a hybrid funding approach for the Justice System Improvement Program bond, combining a $110 million bond with legislative requests. Other key actions included approving a severe weather sheltering contract and transit funding for the 2023-25 biennium.

• Set JSIP bond amount at $110 million with $5M and $9M legislative asks for EOC and homeless services (3-0)
• Approved letter of support for Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center Navigation Center (3-0)
• Approved $50,000 contract with Faith Hope Charity, Inc. for severe weather sheltering (3-0)
• Reaffirmed STIF suballocation methodology for fund distribution (3-0)
• Approved 2023-25 STIF Formula Payroll, Population, and Federal 5310 projects (3-0)
• Authorized application for $500,000 Community Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant (3-0)
• Elected Pat Malone as 2023 Board Chair and Xanthippe Augerot as Vice-Chair (3-0)
• Approved 2023 meeting schedule and designated Corvallis Gazette Times as official newspaper (3-0)