Benton County Announces New Funding, Rehouses 47 Households (Photo) -05/14/25

* Español a continuación *

CORVALLIS, ORE.— Benton County is participating in Housing 360, a new pilot program launched by Governor Kotek this spring to connect people struggling with mental illness to services and housing stability.

Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) was awarded $900,000 through Housing 360 “to leverage available homes in the community to match with people in need of housing and coordinate pre-treatment services, secure housing, and behavioral health support services,” the Governor’s office announced in April.

Benton County is part of a small cohort of four organizations spanning both rural and metro areas who are participating in the pilot program, including Washington County, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) in Wasco County, and Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action (MWVCAA) in Marion County.

Housing 360 is being administered by Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS), which provides technical assistance to the recipients and set outcome-based metrics for performance in a shared learning environment.

“We are building capacity among our housing and supportive services partners for people experiencing homelessness, with the goal of creating a system that is ‘ready to house,’” said Rebecca Taylor, Program Manager for Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO).

“Our strategy includes housing focused outreach and case management that meets people where they are and follows them throughout their entire journey towards long-term housing stability.”

Funding and support for Housing 360 comes from Oregon Senate Bill 5701 (SB 5701), signed by Governor Kotek in 2024, which allocated $39 million to Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) for a statewide rehousing program to rapidly transition people from homelessness to permanent, stable, and safe housing.

The new program comes in addition to the existing pilot programs and funding Benton County’s CHRO has received to help house community members:

• In 2024, the CHRO launched the Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP) Program with the help of $1.2 million from Oregon House Bill 5019 (HB 5019) with a goal of achieving long-term housing stability for 31 households by June 30, 2025.
• SB 5701 (2024) provided an additional $975,000 to Benton County and increased the rehousing goal by twenty (20) households, for a total of 51 households transitioned from homelessness into housing by June 30, 2025.

The CHRO is nearing completion of that goal. Since the program’s inception in July 2024, 47 households have moved into housing with wraparound services and support to maintain housing stability. These households include 58 adults and 46 children, totaling 104 people who have transitioned from homelessness into housing this past year.

“We are excited about the successes we’ve seen in this community as a result of investments from state and local partners, but we know we still have a long way to go,” said Taylor.

“The additional funding and goals set up through Housing 360 will help sustain the capacity we’ve built through the FHSP and allow us to focus our efforts on connecting some of our most vulnerable community members to housing and critical supports. We continue to seek additional funding to carry this work forward.”

Benton County will use the FHSP as a centralized hub to administer the Housing 360 funding. They estimate it will initially serve a minimum of 15 households through coordination of pretreatment services to secure housing and behavioral health supports, and hope to grow that work to serve even more community members.

For more information on Benton County’s Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO) and their Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP) program, visit https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/coordinated-homeless-response/

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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. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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El Condado de Benton anuncia un nuevo financiamiento y da vivienda a 47 familias

Miércoles, 14 de mayo, 2025

CORVALLIS, OR.— El Condado de Benton participa en Vivienda 360, un nuevo programa piloto lanzado esta primavera por la Gobernadora Kotek para conectar a las personas con enfermedades mentales con servicios y estabilidad habitacional.

La Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para Personas sin Hogar (CHRO por sus siglas en inglés) del Condado de Benton recibió $900,000 a través de Vivienda 360 "para aprovechar las viviendas disponibles en la comunidad y conectarlas con personas que necesitan un hogar y coordinar servicios de pretratamiento, vivienda segura y servicios de apoyo para la salud mental", anunció la oficina de la gobernadora en abril.

El Condado de Benton es parte de un pequeño grupo de cuatro organizaciones que abarcan áreas rurales y metropolitanas y que participan en el programa piloto, entre ellas el Condado de Washington, Mid-Columbia Community Action Council (MCCAC) en el Condado de Wasco y Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action (MWVCAA) en el Condado de Marion.

 Vivienda 360 está siendo administrado por los Servicios de Vivienda y Comunidad de Oregón (OHCS por sus siglas en inglés), que brindan asistencia técnica a los beneficiarios y establecen métricas basadas en resultados para el desempeño en estas colaboraciones.

“Estamos fortaleciendo la capacidad de nuestros socios en vivienda y servicios de apoyo para personas sin hogar, con el objetivo de crear un sistema que esté listo para ofrecer vivienda”, dijo Rebecca Taylor, Gerente de Programa de la Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para Personas sin Hogar (CHRO) del Condado de Benton.

“Nuestra estrategia incluye actividades de alcance comunitario y manejo de casos centrados en la vivienda, que se adaptan a las personas en su situación actual y las acompañan durante todo su proceso hacia la estabilidad habitacional a largo plazo”.

El financiamiento y el apoyo para Vivienda 360 provienen del Proyecto de Ley del Senado de Oregón 5701 (SB 5701), firmado por la Gobernadora Kotek en 2024, que asignó $39 millones a los Servicios de Vivienda y Comunidad de Oregón (OHCS) para un programa estatal de realojamiento que permita una rápida transición de las personas sin hogar a una vivienda permanente, estable y segura.

El nuevo programa se suma a los programas piloto existentes y al financiamiento que la CHRO del Condado de Benton ha recibido para ayudar a dar vivienda a los miembros de la comunidad:

• En 2024, la CHRO lanzó el Programa de Fondo de Subsidio de Vivienda Flexible (FHSP por sus siglas en inglés) con la ayuda de $1.2 millones del Proyecto de Ley 5019 de la Cámara de Representantes de Oregón (HB 5019), con el objetivo de lograr estabilidad habitacional a largo plazo para 31 hogares para el 30 de junio de 2025.
• La SB 5701 (2024) proporcionó $975,000 adicionales al Condado de Benton y aumentó la meta de realojamiento en veinte (20) hogares, para un total de 51 hogares que pasarán de la situación de calle a vivienda para el 30 de junio de 2025.

La CHRO está a punto de alcanzar esa meta. Desde el inicio del programa en julio de 2024, 47 hogares se han mudado a viviendas con servicios integrales y apoyo para mantener la estabilidad habitacional. Estos hogares incluyen a 58 adultos y 46 niños, lo que suma un total de 104 personas que han pasado de no tener vivienda a tener una vivienda durante el año pasado.

“Estamos entusiasmados con los éxitos que hemos visto en esta comunidad gracias a las inversiones de los socios estatales y locales, pero sabemos que aún nos queda mucho camino por recorrer”, dijo Taylor.
 

“Los fondos adicionales y las metas establecidas a través del programa Vivienda 360 ayudarán a mantener la capacidad que hemos desarrollado a través del FHSP y nos permitirán centrar nuestros esfuerzos en conectar a algunos de los miembros más vulnerables de nuestra comunidad con vivienda y apoyos esenciales. Seguimos buscando fondos adicionales para continuar con este trabajo”.

El Condado de Benton usará el FHSP como organización central para administrar los fondos del programa Vivienda 360. Se calculan que inicialmente atenderá a un mínimo de 15 hogares mediante la coordinación de servicios de pretratamiento para garantizar la vivienda y los apoyos de salud mental y se espera ampliar este trabajo para atender a muchos más miembros de la comunidad.

Para obtener más información sobre la Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para Personas sin Hogar (CHRO) del Condado de Benton y su programa de Fondo de Subsidio de Vivienda Flexible (FHSP), visite https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/coordinated-homeless-response/

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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Benton County Extends Public Hearing On Proposed Landfill Expansion -05/07/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Benton County Planning Commission has added a supplemental day to hear verbal public testimony on Republic Services’ application for the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill. The public hearing was continued — that is, postponed to a future date — at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, and will resume at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 in the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

The Public Hearing on LU-24-027 was originally scheduled for three days of presentations, reports and testimony in late April and early May, with a fourth meeting in June for Commissioners to discuss the application and come to a decision. After nearly three hours of verbal testimony on the third day, the Commission had heard from only half of the 78 community members who signed up to testify. After a brief discussion and motion, the Commissioners voted to add the additional meeting and resume two days later so all community voices can be heard.

Revised hearing schedule

Tuesday, April 29
The County Planning Division and consultants presented the staff report, then addressed questions from the Planning Commission. View the recording of Day 1.

Thursday, May 1
Republic Services presented the application, then addressed questions from the Planning Commission. View the recording of Day 2.

Tuesday, May 6
Members of the public delivered verbal testimony. Each person who signed up was allotted three minutes to speak; some opted to cede their time to another speaker to allow that person more time to deliver their prepared message. Testimony was delivered by or on behalf of 37 people. View the recording of Day 3.

Continuance, Thursday, May 8, 6 p.m. – complete
The Planning Commission will hear testimony by the remaining people on the verbal testimony roster. Registration for verbal testimony closed at 6 p.m. on May 6, so no additional attestants will be added. Following the conclusion of verbal testimony, representatives of Republic Services will have an opportunity to deliver a brief rebuttal. Register for virtual participation through Zoom.

Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m. – complete
Deliberations and decision by the Planning Commission. Zoom registration

Attendees who need any physical or language accommodations should notify Benton County Community Development (permitcheck@bentoncountyor.gov) at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing.

Written testimony

Written testimony is still being accepted in four ways: online form, regular mail, email (publiccomment@bentoncountyor.gov) and hand delivery. Benton County Planning Division staff are posting compiled written testimony to the online Munidocs platform soon after it is received. The latest batch of comments includes those received through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6.

More information about the public hearing is available on the Coffin Butte Landfill webpage.

Turning Mental Health Awareness Into Action: The Benton County Crisis Center (Photo) -05/01/25

* Español a continuación *

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025

Corvallis ORE. – May is National Mental Health Month and Benton County is celebrating with an announcement about the new Benton County Crisis Center, set to open this summer.

Every year in May, people and organizations across the nation celebrate Mental Health Month as an opportunity to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health, to promote mental health resources, and to destigmatize mental health conditions.

This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action," emphasizes transforming understanding into tangible support, compassion into concrete steps, and intentions into real-world impact.

“The new Benton County Crisis Center is a perfect example of turning awareness into action,” said Damien Sands, Behavioral Health Division Director for the Benton County Health Department. “It took the hands of many to help make this dream a reality, and we are grateful to our state and local leaders, contractors, community partners, Benton County residents, and dedicated staff for the roles they played.”

The Benton County Crisis Center

An external view of the Benton County Crisis Center on the corner of NW 4th Street and Van Buren Avenue in Corvallis, OR.

The Benton County Crisis Center will be a voluntary, walk-in, mental health treatment center for people experiencing mental health crises. The center will offer a safe and supportive space for people who need a break from stressors along with referrals and support for ongoing behavioral health services.

The new facility, with more available space, will expand Benton County’s existing mental health crisis services to add additional staff and services, including:

• 24/7 walk-in (no appointment needed), face-to-face crisis counseling services
• Crisis, Outreach, Response, and Engagement (CORE) Co-Response team connecting people in crisis to the new facility for stabilization and support
• The Mobile Crisis Team's dispatch center responds to calls from community service providers

“Our mobile crisis team is very active in the community responding to crisis calls from key partners such as law enforcement, the hospital, and schools” said Ricky Garcia, Project Manager for the Benton County Crisis Center. “Our crisis center will improve access by allowing people to come to us when they need support, avoiding any unnecessary entanglements with law enforcement, and freeing up higher levels of care such as the emergency room.”

The facility will also add two new services for adults aged 18 years or older who need more time and support in a trauma-informed, treatment-centered environment to stabilize from crisis and be connected to resources:

• Stabilization: Up to 23 hours voluntary stay in a calm and quiet area that will include reclining chairs separated by dividers for privacy.
• Respite: Up to 29 days voluntary stay in a residential space on the second floor that will include private rooms, a shared kitchen, and common areas.

“When someone is struggling with their mental health, it can be a challenge to immediately enter the real world and all the stress and responsibility that comes with our daily lives,” said Sands. “Our local area currently has very limited resources for short-term stabilization and respite. The new crisis center will expand our capacity to serve people who do not require medical attention, hospitalization, or longer-term residential care. All services are voluntary, so people can come and go as they please."

2025 Phased Opening Schedule for Benton County Crisis Center

A chart depicts the phased timeline for services at the Benton County Crisis Center.

The facility is planned to open this June with a phased approach:

1. Phase 1 (approx. Spring 2025): All existing Benton County Crisis Services will move from their current locations into the new building.
2. Phase 2 (approx. Summer 2025): Services will expand to include daytime stabilization services​.
3. Phase 3 (approx. Fall 2025): Services will expand to include swing shift stabilization services.
4. Phase 4 (approx. Winter 2025): Services will expand to include 24/7 stabilization​.
5. Phase 5 (date to be determined): Services will expand to include 29-day respite.

“We recognize the challenges facing the mental health workforce right now,” said Garcia. “This phased opening enables us to expand services as soon as we are able to, allowing time to recruit and train new staff while maintaining a healthy work environment for our existing staff.” 

The crisis center will be available to any community member experiencing a moment of need. While stabilization and respite are for adults only, youth experiencing crises can still access counselors who can help them get the appropriate referrals and services. No one will be turned away from the crisis center due to inability to pay.

Benton County is planning to host an upcoming open house once the crisis center is ready to be opened to the public. More details will be shared as they are available. For more information on the Benton County Crisis Center, please visit: https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/benton-county-crisis-center/

Crisis Services Available Now

For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis now, you are not alone. Help is available 24/7:

• For the National Suicide Hotline, call or text 988, or chat at: 988lifeline.org
• For the Benton County Crisis Team, call 1-888-232-7192
• For the Crisis Text Line, text OREGON to741741

More Mental Health Month Events

Additional local events that help turn awareness into action this Mental Health Month: 

• May 3 – Hello There Corvallis Speed Friending Even with Corvallis Parks & Recreation
• May 3 – Oregon State University’s Pet Day
• May 6 - Board of Commissioners proclaim Mental Health Month in Benton County
• May 10 – Free Mandala Rock Painting at The Arts Center in Corvallis
• May 18 – Corvallis Spring Roll
• May 24 – QPR Suicide Prevention Training at South Benton Food Pantry in Monroe
• May 27 – QPR Suicide Prevention Training in Corvallis
• May 30 – Mental Health First Aid Training at Benton County Sunset Building
• May 31 – Get Outdoors Day
• May 31 – Corvallis Pride

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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. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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Convirtiendo la conciencia sobre la salud mental en acción: El Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton

Fecha: jueves, 1 de mayo de 2025

Corvallis ORE. – Mayo es el Mes Nacional de la Salud Mental y el Condado de Benton lo celebra con un anuncio sobre el nuevo Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton, que se inaugurará este verano.

Cada año, en mayo, personas y organizaciones de todo el país celebran el Mes de la Salud Mental como una oportunidad para impulsar la comprensión pública sobre la importancia de la salud mental, promover recursos de salud mental y desestigmatizar los problemas mentales.

El tema de este año, "Convierta la consciencia en acción", insiste en transformar la comprensión en apoyo tangible, la compasión en pasos concretos y las intenciones en un impacto real.

"El nuevo Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton es un ejemplo perfecto de cómo convertir la consciencia en acción", afirmó Damien Sands, Director de la División de Salud Mental del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton. "Se necesitó la colaboración de muchos para hacer realidad este sueño y agradecemos a nuestros líderes estatales y locales, contratistas, socios comunitarios, habitantes del Condado de Benton y personal dedicado por el papel que desempeñaron".

El Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton

Vista exterior del Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton en la esquina de NW 4th Street y Van Buren Avenue en Corvallis, OR.

El Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton será un centro de tratamiento de salud mental voluntario y sin cita previa para personas que experimenten una crisis de salud mental. El centro ofrecerá un espacio seguro y de apoyo para quienes necesitan relajarse del estrés, además de referencias y apoyo para servicios continuos de salud mental.

El nuevo centro, con más espacio disponible, ampliará los servicios de crisis de salud mental existentes del Condado de Benton con personal y servicios adicionales, incluyendo:

• Servicios de consejería presencial para crisis (sin cita previa), disponibles las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana.
• El equipo que atiende la crisis y que trabaja en la comunidad para responder a situaciones conecta a las personas en crisis con el nuevo centro para su estabilización y apoyo.
• El centro de atención del Equipo Móvil de Crisis responde a las llamadas de los proveedores de servicios comunitarios.

“Nuestro equipo móvil de crisis participa activamente en la comunidad, respondiendo a las llamadas de crisis de colaboradores clave como la policía, el hospital y las escuelas”, declaró Ricky García, Gerente de Proyectos del Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton. “Nuestro centro de crisis mejorará el acceso al permitir que las personas acudan a nosotros cuando necesiten apoyo, evitando así enredos innecesarios con la policía y dejando disponibles recursos de mayor nivel, como la sala de emergencias”.

El centro también incorporará dos nuevos servicios para adultos mayores de 18 años que necesiten más tiempo y apoyo en un lugar orientado al trauma y centrado en el tratamiento para recuperarse de la crisis y acceder a recursos:

• Estabilización: Estancia voluntaria de hasta 23 horas en un área tranquila y silenciosa que incluirá sillones reclinables divididos por separadores para mayor privacidad.
• Cuidado/Servicios de Relevo: Estancia voluntaria de hasta 29 días en un espacio residencial en el segundo piso que incluirá habitaciones privadas, cocina compartida y áreas comunes.

“Cuando alguien tiene problemas de salud mental, puede ser difícil integrarse de inmediato al mundo real y a todo el estrés y la responsabilidad que conlleva nuestra vida diaria”, dijo Sands. “Nuestra área local actualmente cuenta con recursos muy limitados para la estabilización y servicios de relevo a corto plazo. El nuevo centro de crisis ampliará nuestra capacidad para atender a personas que no requieren atención médica, hospitalización ni atención residencial a largo plazo. Todos los servicios son voluntarios, por lo que las personas pueden entrar y salir cuando gusten”.

Calendario de apertura por etapas para 2025 del Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton

Gráfico que muestra el calendario por etapas de los servicios en el Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton.

Se planea que el centro se inaugure en junio por etapas:

1. Etapa 1 (aprox. primavera de 2025): Todos los Servicios de Crisis del Condado de Benton se moverán de sus ubicaciones actuales al nuevo edificio.
2. Etapa 2 (aprox. verano de 2025): Los servicios durante el día se ampliarán para incluir servicios de estabilización.
3. Etapa 3 (aprox. otoño de 2025): Los servicios se ampliarán para incluir servicios de estabilización en varios turnos.
4. Etapa 4 (aprox. invierno de 2025): Los servicios se ampliarán para incluir estabilización las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana.
5. Etapa 5 (fecha por determinar): Los servicios se ampliarán para incluir cuidado/servicios de relevo de 29 días.

“Reconocemos los desafíos que enfrenta el personal de salud mental en este momento”, dijo García. “Esta apertura por etapas nos permite ampliar los servicios tan pronto como sea posible, lo que nos da tiempo para contratar y capacitar a nuevos empleados, mientras que mantenemos un ambiente de trabajo saludable para nuestros empleados actuales”.

El centro de crisis estará disponible para cualquier miembro de la comunidad que lo necesite. Aunque la estabilización y los servicios de relevo son solo para adultos, los jóvenes que atraviesan crisis pueden acceder a consejeros que les ayudarán a obtener las referidos y los servicios adecuados. Nadie será rechazado en el centro de crisis por no poder pagar.

El Condado de Benton planea celebrar próximamente un evento comunitario una vez que el centro de crisis esté listo para abrir al público. Se compartirán más detalles a medida que estén disponibles. Para obtener más información sobre el Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton, visite: https://health.bentoncountyor.gov/benton-county-crisis-center/

Servicios de crisis disponibles ahora

Si está pasando por una crisis de salud mental, no está solo. Hay ayuda disponible las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana:

• Para comunicarse con la Línea Nacional de Ayuda contra el Suicidio, llame o envíe un mensaje de texto al 988 o chatee en: 988lifeline.org
• Para comunicarse con el Equipo de Crisis del Condado de Benton, llame al 1-888-232-7192
• Para comunicarse con la Línea de Crisis por mensaje de texto, envíe un mensaje de texto con la palabra OREGON al 741741

Más eventos del Mes de la Salud Mental

Otros eventos locales que ayudan a convertir la conciencia en acción este Mes de la Salud Mental:

• 3 de mayo – Evento de amistad rapida "Hello There Corvallis" con Parques y Recreacion de Corvallis
• 3 de mayo – Día de las Mascotas en OSU
• 6 de mayo – Proclamanción del Mes de la Salud Mental en el Condado de Benton por la Junta de Comisionados
• 18 de mayo – Actividad gratis de Pintura de Mandalas en Piedra en el Centro de Artes de Corvallis
• 18 de mayo – Corvallis Spring Roll
• 24 de mayo – Entrenamiento de QPR sobre Prevención del Suicidio en el Banco de Comida del Sur de Benton en Monroe
• 27 de mayo – Entrenamiento de QPR sobre Prevención del Suicidio en Corvallis
• 30 de mayo – Entrenamiento de Primeros Auxilios de Salud Mental en el Edificio Sunset del Condado de Benton
• 31 de mayo – Un Día en el Bosque
• 31 de mayo – Corvallis Pride

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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Coffin Butte Landfill Hearing: Day 1 Recording And Recap; What To Expect On Day 2 -05/01/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. - The Public Hearing on LU-24-027, Republic Services’ application for the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill, began on Tuesday, April 29. Benton County Planning Commission Chair Nicholas Fowler started the meeting at 6 p.m. The County’s Planning Division presented the staff report. Planning Commission members asked many follow-up questions that were addressed by the County’s Planning Official, consultants and representatives from Republic Services. The Hearing was recessed around 8:45 p.m.

View the recording of Day 1.

Day 2 expectations

Presentation and discussion of the staff report on Day 1 took more time than projected. Republic Services’ presentation, planned for the first meeting, will take place when the hearing resumes at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. The Planning Commission will then move on to public verbal testimony if time permits.

If the applicant presentation and subsequent discussion fills the scheduled meeting time, public testimony will likely begin on Tuesday, May 6.

The hearing is open to the public in the Holmes & Shipley Meeting Room on the first floor of Benton County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis, OR. The room has a posted capacity of 133 people, although fewer can be accommodated during the staff and applicant presentation portion of the hearing while tables are in place for the presenters. A viewing/listening room is available on the second floor of the Kalapuya building. An additional overflow space, not utilized on Day 1, will be opened on the first floor.

Attendees who need any physical or language accommodations should notify Benton County Community Development (permitcheck@bentoncountyor.gov) at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing.

The hearing can also be viewed through Zoom.

Verbal and written testimony

A new batch of compiled written testimony was posted to Munidocs on April 29. This includes comments received through noon on April 28.

Written testimony is still being accepted in four ways: online form, regular mail, email (publiccomment@bentoncountyor.gov) and hand delivery. Details are available on the Coffin Butte Landfill webpage.

Members of the public can sign up to share verbal testimony during the hearing. Names will be added to the verbal testimony roster in the order in which they are submitted, either through the webform or in person at the public hearings. A testimony sign-up table is available in the lobby beginning one hour prior to meeting start times. Verbal testimony is limited to three (3) minutes per person.

Registration for verbal testimony will be open as long as the Public Hearing is in session OR until 6 p.m. on May 6, whichever comes first.

Benton County Celebrates Public Health Week With Presentation Of Regional Community Health Improvement Plan (Photo) -04/23/25

* Español a continuación *

CORVALLIS, ORE.— April 7-13, 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, an annual awareness campaign that unites communities nationwide in celebrating public health contributions, addressing key health issues, and creating a vision for healthier communities.

On April 1, 2025, the Board of Commissioners proclaimed Public Health Week in Benton County. The proclamation was read by Public Health Division Director, Sara Hartstein.

“Benton County’s proclamation of National Public Health Week 2025 celebrates the leadership, dedication, and innovation of many partners throughout the County, including the Board of Commissioners, our County Health Department, other jurisdictions, community-based organizations, health systems, and many others,” said Hartstein.

Benton County celebrated with a presentation on the 2024-2028 Regional Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). On April 15, 2025, the Board of Commissioners heard about the latest regional CHIP, presented by Amy Young, Project Manager for the Partnership for Community Health of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties.

The recently published regional CHIP lays out a long-term vision for improving community health in the Linn-Benton-Lincoln region. Priorities in the regional CHIP are access to affordable housing; access to quality care; behavioral health; and inclusion, diversity, anti-racism, and equity (IDARE). The CHIP outlines how multi-jurisdictional agencies are working together to achieve these priority goals and help address the health challenges and disparities outlined in the plan.

“National Public Health Week is a great opportunity to share the Community Health Improvement Plan with the Board of Commissioners and our partners across the region,” said Young. “Attaining the highest level of health for a whole community involves all sectors uniting in places we live, work, learn, and play that promote well-being. This regional CHIP represents the community’s vision for a collaborative effort to address root causes of our health challenges.”

The regional CHIP is a project of the Partnership for Community Health of Linn, Benton & Lincoln Counties (PCH), a multiagency collaborative of local public health authorities, health systems, and key partners committed to improving community health in the region. The PCH was established in 2021 to promote a shared vision for community health and positive change.

In alignment with National Public Health Week and the regional CHIP presentation, Benton County was recently ranked among the top healthiest counties in the nation, by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 2025 State and County Health Rankings and Roadmaps. This ranking considers population health and wellbeing, and community conditions including social and economic factors, physical environment, and health infrastructure.

“We are grateful for the many community members and organizations that support our community in achieving this ranking, and we know there is still much work to be done,” said Health Department Director April Holland. “The priorities outlined in the CHIP help us work toward a place where everyone in Benton County has the opportunity to be healthy.”

For more information about the regional CHIP, please visit the PCH website: https://www.lblpartnershipforhealth.org/

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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. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Benton County Updates All Facilities & Grounds Smoke-, Vape-, And Tobacco-Free Policy (Photo) -04/22/25

* Español a continuación *

Benton County recently updated their Tobacco-Free Facilities and Grounds Policy to capture and include any product that can be smoked or vaped, including cannabis.

The goal of the updated policy is to continue promoting the health and safety of employees and the public by reducing the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and nicotine addiction.

Smoking and the use of other tobacco products remain the number one cause of preventable disease and death in the United States. The list of diseases linked to tobacco use is expanding, well beyond the general health risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and chronic lung disease. Even passive exposure to secondhand smoke is a major health risk.

Tobacco- and smoke-free spaces work to prevent initiation and promote tobacco cessation. They also work to change social norms around smoking, vaping, and tobacco use.

“Studies show that communities with more tobacco- and smoke-free spaces experience a positive impact, both in the success of individuals trying to quit and reducing youth nicotine addiction.” said Andy Chuinard, Tobacco Prevention and Education Program Coordinator for Benton County Health Department.

In addition to the direct health risks of tobacco use, smoking is estimated to be the number one cause of fire related death and injury in the United States and is a major cause of wild-land fire ignition.  The environmental impact of smoking is significant, as toxic cigarette filters are the most frequently littered item in the United States and have negative impacts on the environment and wildlife.

The original policy, “Tobacco-Free Facilities and Grounds,” was first adopted by the Benton County Board of Commissioners on January 1, 2013. Since then, the landscape of tobacco and nicotine products has changed significantly along with legalization of cannabis. The updated policy, “Smoke-, Vape-, and Tobacco-Free Facilities and Grounds,” responds to these changes by including emerging products such as synthetic nicotine, pouches, electronic smoking devices (or vapes), and cannabis in the referenced language.

The updated policy continues to apply to all properties owned and occupied by Benton County, including parks, natural areas, fairgrounds, and the courthouse. The policy aims to communicate, educate, and promote cessation resources for nicotine addiction. Updated public-facing signage including metal signs, posters, and decals will be installed at all County facilities this spring.

People who want to quit tobacco can contact their health care provider to see what options are available. Oregon Tobacco Quit Line is a telephone and web-based service that offers free quitting information, one-on-one telephone counseling, and referrals at https://quitnow.net/oregon or call 1-800-QUIT NOW (1-800-784-8669).

For more information, please contact: bentonhealthycommunities@bentoncountyor.gov

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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. This document is available in alternative formats and languages upon request. Please contact the Public Information Office at 541-766-6800 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

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Español

El Condado de Benton actualiza su política de no fumar, vapear tabaco en sus instalaciones y propiedades

Martes, 22 de abril de 2025

CORVALLIS, OR.— El Condado de Benton actualizó recientemente su política de instalaciones y propiedades libres de tabaco para incluir cualquier producto que se pueda fumar o vapear, incluyendo la marihuana.

El objetivo de esta política actualizada es seguir promoviendo la salud y la seguridad de los empleados y del público, reduciendo los efectos dañinos del humo de segunda mano y la adicción a la nicotina en la comunidad.

Fumar y el consumo de otros productos de tabaco siguen siendo la principal causa de enfermedades y muertes prevenibles en Estados Unidos. La lista de enfermedades relacionadas con el consumo de tabaco se está ampliando, mucho más allá de los riesgos generales para la salud como enfermedades del corazón, derrame cerebrovascular, cáncer y enfermedad pulmonar crónica. Incluso la exposición pasiva al humo de segunda mano supone un riesgo importante para la salud.

Los espacios libres de tabaco y libres de humo contribuyen a prevenir el inicio del consumo de tabaco y a promover dejar de fumar y consumir. También contribuyen a cambiar las normas sociales en cuanto a fumar, vapear y el uso de tabaco.

“Los estudios demuestran que las comunidades con más espacios libres de tabaco y humo experimentan un impacto positivo, tanto en el éxito de quienes intentan dejar de fumar como en la reducción de la adicción a la nicotina entre los jóvenes”, afirmó Andy Chuinard, Coordinador del Programa de Prevención y Educación sobre el Tabaco del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton.

Además de los riesgos directos para la salud que conlleva el consumo de tabaco, se estima que fumar es la principal causa de muerte y lesiones relacionadas con incendios en Estados Unidos y una de las principales causas de incendios forestales. El impacto ambiental del tabaco es significativo, ya que los filtros de los cigarrillos son tóxicos y el artículo que se tira con más frecuencia en Estados Unidos y tienen un impacto negativo en el medio ambiente y la vida silvestre.

La política original, "Instalaciones y Propiedades Libres de Tabaco", fue adoptada por primera vez por la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Benton el 1 de enero de 2013. Desde entonces, el panorama de los productos de tabaco con nicotina ha cambiado significativamente junto con la legalización de la marihuana. La política actualizada, "Instalaciones y Propiedades Libres de Humo, Vapeo y Tabaco", responde a estos cambios incluyendo productos emergentes como la nicotina sintética, las bolsitas de tabaco masticables, los dispositivos electrónicos para fumar sin importar su contenido y la marihuana.

La política actualizada continúa aplicándose a todas las propiedades que pertenecen y ocupa el Condado de Benton, incluyendo parques, áreas naturales, los terrenos de la feria y la corte. La política busca comunicar, educar y promover recursos para dejar de fumar y combatir la adicción a la nicotina. Esta primavera se instalará letreros actualizados, que incluye letreros metálicos, carteles y calcomanías en todas las instalaciones del condado.

Si está interesado en dejar el tabaco, contacte a su profesional de la salud para ver qué es lo más adecuado para usted. También puede visitar la Línea para Dejar de Fumar de Oregón, un servicio gratuito por teléfono y en línea que ofrece información gratuita para dejar de fumar, asesoramiento telefónico personalizado y referencias en https://quitnow.net/oregon o llamar al 1-800-DEJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569).

Para más información, escriba a: bentonhealthycommunities@bentoncountyor.gov 

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El Condado de Benton es un empleador que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades y acción afirmativa y no discrimina por motivos de discapacidad en la admisión o el acceso a nuestros programas, servicios, actividades, contratación y prácticas de empleo. Este documento está disponible en formatos e idiomas alternativos a pedido. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Información Pública al 541-766-6800 o pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

Benton County Proclaims May As Wildfire Awareness Month; Hosts Wildfire Awareness Roundtable (Photo) -04/21/25

CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Benton County Board of Commissioners is preparing for wildfire season with a wildfire awareness roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 22. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., with the discussion scheduled to start after two short items of business. The public is always welcome to attend BOC meetings in person or virtually.

The Board of Commissioners will dedicate most of their quarterly Information Sharing Meeting to the discussion including representatives of Benton County Emergency Operations, the Benton County Fire Defense Board, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry Representatives.

Topics of discussion will include the wildfire outlook, community preparedness, risks, highlights of department activities and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Following the discussion, Benton County Emergency Services Manager Bryan Lee will ask the Board to officially proclaim May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness Month in Benton County.

Community members can attend the meeting in person at the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Those who wish to watch online should visit the Board of Commissioners online meeting portal.

A full recording of the discussion will be posted to the meeting portal within 48 hours after the end of the meeting.

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Historic Preservation Month Activities Connect Present With Past In Benton And Linn Counties (Photo) -04/18/25

CORVALLIS, Ore.—Benton County invites all community members to dive into the past during Benton-Linn Preservation Month 2025. The Benton County Historic Resources Commission (HRC) and partner organizations will host more than 30 events for the May commemoration, starting April 24, that highlight the history of our area.

Established in 1973 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Month is co-sponsored by local preservation groups, state historical societies, businesses and civic organizations across the country. Events throughout May promote historic places for the purpose of instilling national and community pride, promoting heritage tourism and showing the social and economic benefits of historic preservation.

Participants don’t have to be history buffs to appreciate the events in Benton and Linn Counties. These opportunities can be enjoyed by people with all levels of prior experience and historical knowledge. Scheduled events include:

• Exploring local restoration and renovation projects that will delight fans of HGTV and This Old House.
• Neighborhood and district walking tours that combine history with outdoor activity in the glorious spring weather.
• Opportunities to learn about early Benton County residents who don’t appear in history books, like people of color, women, queerfolk and immigrants.
• Hands-on project workshops: cleaning headstones at Crystal Lake Cemetery, repointing chimney brick, and restoring historic windows.

The Benton County HRC coordinates with the State Historic Preservation Office and property owners to promote the preservation of local historic sites, objects and culture. The group aims to inspire celebration of the rich history of our structures and places, and the people connected to them, encouraging interest in preserving them for future generations.

“Historic preservation benefits communities, socially and economically,” said Morgan Driggs, Benton County planner and Historic Resources Commission liaison. “It builds local pride, keeps historic commercial areas vital, emphasizes what is unique about each place, and creates strong feelings of connection with the areas where we live and work.”

Most events are free and open to the public; some require reservations as space is limited. For a complete schedule visit bit.ly/bentonhpm.