Benton County targets funding to help mitigate COVID-19 impacts
On Tuesday, February 15, the Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) to award up to $2.4 million in grants from Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Since October 2021, County staff and commissioners have worked diligently to identify how to best allocate these resources. Through this process, approximately $10.8 million of the funds are designated for programs, projects, and services that focus on replacing lost public sector resources and addressing critical infrastructure needs throughout the County. With the remaining funding, the Board made it clear that a portion of the resources needs to focus on individuals, businesses, and families negatively impacted by COVID-19.
“It’s critical we recognize the impacts the pandemic has had on our families, communities and local businesses. We must do what we can to provide support and assistance to help with recovery, and the many challenges and impacts endured across Benton County–particularly to those disproportionately impacted,” said Board Chair Nancy Wyse.
The NOFO that opened on February 18 will enable non-profit, governmental, and community-based organizations to apply for funding. The eligible uses for the funds include facilitating access to health and social services; addressing housing insecurity, lack of affordable housing, and homelessness; mitigating the impacts of the pandemic to education and healthy childhood environments; supporting the recovery of small businesses, non-profits, or specifically impacted industries; and providing assistance to households that have endured negative economic impacts from the pandemic.
|
|
Commissioners discuss updates to indoor mask order
During the March 1, 2022 Board meeting, the Benton County Board of Commissioners discussed options to amend the County’s current indoor mask order.
The Board agreed to remain in alignment with the Oregon Health Authority’s decision to lift the indoor mask mandate effective at 11:59 p.m., March 11, 2022. The Board also agreed to include a recommendation that urges and encourages residents, citizens, visitors, and workers within the County to assess their individual, household, and professional circumstances, as well as the level of COVID-19 transmission in the County. Those who are immunocompromised, have underlying health conditions, are age 65 and older, or are unvaccinated are recommended to continue wearing a well-fitted, high filtration mask, such as an N-95 or KN-95, in public indoor spaces. Those with vulnerable loved ones are also urged and encouraged to help protect them by continuing to wear masks in public indoor spaces.
The Board’s goal is to encourage each person to make a personal "choice" whether to wear a mask or not, and to ensure all individual choices are fully supported and respected. The Board is scheduled to review and consider adoption of the order during their next meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.
|
|
Board of Commissioners adopt Resolution of Necessity
Following a thorough 20-month search to identify the best property within Corvallis for new justice system facilities, the Benton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on January 21, 2022 in favor of the McFadden Ranch site adjacent to Hewlett-Packard in north Corvallis. Site selection included a methodical evaluation of 40 different possible properties in the Corvallis area. For several months leading up to the Board’s decision, the County negotiated with a representative of McFadden Ranch, LLC, to purchase approximately 28 acres of the 85-acre site. The objective of the negotiations, which began in September 2021, was to reach a negotiated purchase of the property. Unfortunately, Benton County was not able to reach an agreement with the property owner.
On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the Board adopted Resolution of Necessity R2022-001 (page 70). The resolution allows the Board to declare it necessary and in the best interest of the public to acquire the McFadden Ranch, LLC, site, adjacent to Hewlett-Packard in north Corvallis, for the purpose of locating justice system facilities. The Board agreed that this is the best possible location that provides the greatest public benefit and causes the least private injury to residents.
This is the first official step in a lengthy process that could span 18 months or more. Neither the Board’s adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, nor proceeding with eminent domain, prevents the County from negotiating a purchase of the property with the owner. The County sincerely hopes to negotiate an amicable agreement with the owner prior to a jury decision, and views the opportunity for ongoing negotiation as an advantage of the eminent domain process.
|
|
Benton County revises Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Community members we need your help!
|
|
March vaccination events in Benton County
The Benton County Health Department continues to work with community partners to offer COVID-19 vaccination events throughout the County during the month of March. This includes recurring vaccination events at Oregon State University and our Community Health Centers in Monroe, Alsea, and South Corvallis.
- All individuals 5 years and older are eligible to receive the vaccine.
- Drop-ins welcome, no appointment needed.
- First, second, third, booster and pediatric doses will be available at each of the events.
- No identification or proof of address is needed and individuals do not have to live permanently in Oregon to get the vaccine.
- All clinics are wheelchair accessible. To request additional accommodations, please call 541-766-6120. Learn more.
|
|
Benton County deputies raise funds for Ophelia's Place
The Benton County Sheriff's Office “Throwbocops” recently took 3rd place in a Law Enforcement Dodgeball Tournament at the Albany Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), to raise funds to benefit Ophelia's Place. This non-profit organization offers teenage girls the support they need to build resiliency, find their voices, and discover strength. Our hope is to bring these services from Eugene to serve our local youth.
|
|
Questions?
Benton County Public Information Office
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
