Pictured left to right: Charles Maughan, Corvallis City Mayor; Pat Malone, Benton County Commissioner; Nancy Wyse, Benton County Commissioner; Val Hoyle, U.S. Representative; Paul Shaffer, Corvallis City Councilor; Hyatt Lytle, Corvallis City Councilor; Xan Augerot, Benton County Commissioner | |
U.S. Representative Val Hoyle visits City and County leaders in Corvallis
Val Hoyle, Oregon’s new representative for the Fourth Congressional District visited Corvallis on Feb. 16 to meet with city and county leaders.
The focus of Hoyle’s visit included a coordinated response to homelessness by Benton County and the City of Corvallis with aim of providing more affordable housing options in the future.
County and City leaders met with Hoyle to discuss legislative priorities and other topics including coordinated homeless response, affordable housing projects, behavioral health and the County’s new crisis center that is currently under construction, and interest in building a Navigation Center in Corvallis that can provide 24-7 shelter with crucial services to residents who are unhoused.
Benton County is seeking funding for critical one-time state investments that will position the County to grow its infrastructure and financial capacity to better prepare for and respond to local emergency situations and safety issues ensuring vulnerable populations in the community gain appropriate services that support basic needs for stability and self-sufficiency.
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EPA-mandated code changes support water quality & environment in Benton County
On March 1, 2023, Benton County updated the Phase II requirements of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, modifying existing Benton County code.
These changes support one of the County’s core values to preserve natural resources according to the County’s vision for the future called the 2040 Thriving Community Initiatives.
The mandate stems from the Clean Water Act established by the EPA in 1972. The first modification is to Construction Site Runoff Control which will lower the threshold of ground disturbance and require County Erosion and Sediment Control permitting. The second modification addresses Post Construction Stormwater Management which will require projects that create more than ¼ acre (10,890 sq. ft.) of impervious surface to create a long-term stormwater treatment and detention plan.
Learn more about Benton County code changes for stormwater permitting and how the changes impact Benton County’s future.
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Warming Centers and Overnight Sheltering available in Benton County
Warming centers continue to be available throughout Benton County as the County continues to experience low temperatures. Warming centers are indoor heated facilities that are free for members of the public to access during designated hours. Many of these locations also have pet crates available.
Hours & contact information for day-time warming centers in Benton County.
Unity Shelter continues to be available for overnight sheltering from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.
In addition, Benton County has funded Faith Hope and Charity to provide severe weather overflow sheltering for unhoused residents. This resource is available for individuals who are not able to access current shelters for whatever reason. Outreach is occurring within County to identify individuals in need of overflow warming center services.
For more information, contact healthdeptcommunications@bentoncounty.or.gov.
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American Rescue Plan Act funds support our community
Benton County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding is supporting two Unity Shelter programs: SafePlace transitional housing, and a non-congregate shelter at Third Street Commons.
Both of these programs provide individual living spaces, shared cooking and other facilities, access to case management services and support, and a broad range of community services to help people transition into more permanent housing.
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Beyond services and facilities, both of these programs provide a sense of dignity, belonging, community and welcome, which is critical to recovery from the trauma of being unhoused.
Since July 2022, SafePlace and Third Street Commons have served 85 people collectively, with 12 people moving into permanent housing, and another 10 being served in medical respite rooms.
County funding has been critical to provide the skilled staff required to support our houseless neighbors as they move forward in their lives.
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County bids farewell to Administrator Kerby after successful leadership
Benton County Administrator Joe Kerby is leaving Benton County March 15 for an opportunity as the new Jefferson County Administrator in Colorado where he will be closer to family. Kerby has done amazing work, leaving the County in a better place than it was when he started more than 5-years ago.
Under Kerby’s leadership, a County facilities master plan was initiated, financial services were centralized, the Fairgrounds and Parks departments were merged to create Natural Areas, Parks, and Events, and a new Justice System Improvement Program is underway. These are just a few of many examples of his great work that included leading the County through the pandemic while building trust and credibility within the organization and community.
The Benton County Commissioners have been diligently working with Kerby, Hoffman, and other Benton County leaders to ensure a smooth transition.
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Benton County names new Interim County Administrator
Benton County Health Department Director Suzanne Hoffman will become the Interim County Administrator while Benton County conducts a nationwide search for the next County Administrator.
Hoffman has a wealth of leadership experience serving the State of Oregon for over 30 years including a 12-year stint as Chief Administrative Officer, Human Resources Director, and Deputy Director of Health Service for the Oregon Department of Human Services, and an almost 5-year stint as Chief Operating Officer, Interim Public Health Director, and Interim Agency Director with the Oregon Health Authority.
Hoffman joined Benton County in October 2020, just seven month into the two-year COVID-19 pandemic. She quickly built trust and credibility within the County and throughout our community. Through her leadership, Hoffman has made significant contributions to the County in Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Coordinated Homeless Response.
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Benton County names new Interim Health Department Director
April Holland has been appointed Interim Health Department Director for Benton County effective March 15, 2023. April will be stepping in to replace outgoing Director, Suzanne Hoffman, who departs the Health Department to serve as the Interim County Administrator.
April joined Benton County as the Deputy Director of Public Health in December of 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic response. As our local public health administrator, she successfully led our community and organization through the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergency responses by ensuring close collaboration and coordination with community partners.
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County Developmental Diversity moves to help meet community needs
On Feb. 27, Developmental Diversity (DD) services relocated the the Benton County Sunset Building at: 4077 SW Research Way, Corvallis.
The County's DD Program provides access to services and support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Benton County. Participation in the program is voluntary. Our community is stronger when the diversity of all its members is supported.
Learn more about Developmental Diversity services and supports.
Did you know that March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month? Learn more about Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
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Justice System Improvement Program open house held last month
The Justice System Improvement Program is a comprehensive effort to create a more equitable, effective, and safe justice system throughout Benton County. On Feb. 8, more than 200 community members attended an open house with staff and elected officials.
The open house included displays and information for community members to learn more about the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) master plan, the new downtown Crisis Center, and the new Courthouse and District Attorney’s office to be located on the Community Safety and Justice Campus. County staff were also on hand to share information about the proposed facilities that are included in the Community Safety, Mental Health, and Homelessness Services Facilities Bond Measure 2-140.
For an additional opportunity to learn about Bond Measure 2-140, the Corvallis League of Women Voters is hosting an educational forum on Tuesday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Corvallis-Benton County Public Library.
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Board of Commissioners' meeting summaries
Tuesday Board of Commissioner meeting summaries list each agenda item and provide a brief description of the nature of the item.
Visit the Board of Commissioners meeting page to find links to meetings, summaries, meeting materials, and other details.
Meeting summaries will generally be posted on the Board of Commissioners meeting page by the close of business, on the day of the meeting. Extenuating circumstances, such as longer than typical meetings or executive sessions, may delay posting until the next business day. *It is important to note that the meeting summary is not the formal meeting record and does not replace Board meeting minutes.
View the February 7, 2023 Board meeting summary.
View the February 21, 2023 Board meeting summary.
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Adult Mental Health First Aid Training
Adult Mental Health First Aid is an entry level training that teaches you how to help someone who may be developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis, and connect them to the appropriate care.
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WHEN: Thursday, March 16, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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WHERE: Linn County Armory Building, 104 SE 4th Ave., Albany
Registration is required and space is limited. To register or for more information, please contact:
Linn County Health Services at 541-967-3819 or prevention@co.linn.or.us.
Sponsored by Linn County Health Services, [photo by: Linn Together, ca community coalition for healthy youth choices]
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Linn-Benton-Lincoln County Home Repair Program
Does your home need repair? If so, the Home Repair Program may be able to help! This program helps low- to moderate-income homeowners in Linn, Benton, and Lincoln Counties make necessary repairs to their homes by offering loans.
Learn more about the program.
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Benton County is hiring!
Our featured positions this month are: Dental Hygienist Intermittent and Dental Assistant Intermittent
Dental Hygienist Intermittent: Performs dental hygiene services and treatment within the scope of practice of an Expanded Practice Dental Hygienist. Provides clinical, educational, preventive, and therapeutic services using best practice standards to support optimal oral health care in a clinic and community based setting. Works within a dental team and with community members to support effective service delivery.
Dental Assistant Intermittent: Dental Assistants are responsible with assisting dentists and dental hygienists in providing dental services in a variety of settings. This position also provides dental coordination for community based outreach, screening, prevention, and oral health education services. Responsible for providing technical skills, clerical support, and assuring efficient, high quality services in community settings. Works with community, schools, and other service providers to deliver oral health services.
View additional vacancies.
Benton County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission or access to our programs, services, activities, hiring and employment practices.
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This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. | | | | |
