Benton County temporarily suspends Disposal Site Advisory Committee activities

Nov. 28, 2023

Today, the Benton County Board of Commissioners announced a temporary pause of Disposal Site Advisory Committee (DSAC) activities after compelling testimony by the Community Development Director warning of significant challenges with the DSAC Board meetings including actions by some board members that block any substantial progress. 

The decision to pause was made by the Board of Commissioners during their regularly scheduled meeting on November 28 so steps can be taken to overhaul the bylaws and the structure of the meetings to be constructive, transparent and inclusive of all Benton County community members.  

The Board said this decision underscores their steadfast commitment to ensuring a productive and safe committee environment, ultimately allowing DSAC to serve the Benton County community effectively.

During testimony, Benton County Community Development Department Director Darren Nichols expressed concerns that the committee has faced major obstacles preventing the Committee from fulfilling its mission which includes bullying, disinformation, threats of violence, and a lack of progress in committee work that has led to the recent resignations of five committee members.

Benton County Administrator Rachel McEneny has acknowledged these events within the committee and emphasized the importance of transparent and productive committees and public meetings. McEneny has conveyed the County’s commitment to addressing these issues during this pause. 

“The serious breakdown in the committee’s ability to communicate effectively necessitates this pause. We recognize the importance of committees and public meetings and will work diligently to ensure the committee can resume and fulfill its intended purpose as quickly as possible,” McEneny said.

During Nichols’ testimony, he also highlighted a growing list of potential partners willing to assist in addressing sustainable materials’ future in Benton County and Oregon. These partners include cities, counties, state agencies, academic and industry representatives, and community leaders committed to collaborative solutions for solid waste challenges. DSAC is tasked with implementing Oregon State law, long-range monitoring of the disposal site, providing a forum for resident comments and concerns, as well as preparing an annual written report.

View the printed testimony or watch the testimony from Nichols and the Board’s response, and forward it to 37 minutes and 8 seconds.

Learn more about the Benton County Disposal Site Advisory Committee (DSAC).

DSAC is required in statute by Oregon law.

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 Cory Grogan at 541-745-4468 or pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.