2022 Safety and Justice history and background

TIMELINE:

January – Community Safety and Justice site selected
February – Crisis Center site finalized
March – County to receive $1 million for new Emergency Operations Center & the Historic Courthouse Advisory Committee is convened
June – Gerding Builders selected to build Crisis Center
July – Courthouse design process begins & Mahlum Architects are selected to design Crisis Center
August – DLR Group selected to design Courthouse
September – Site master plan completed for Community Safety & community engagement forum held on mental health in the justice system
October – Community safety forum

2022 News

Homelessness resources and housing navigation center project designated as preferred project for bond – Nov. 14, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted to include funding for a homelessness services facility in the County’s planned bond measure, to be put before voters in May 2023.

The Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) is the County’s most comprehensive approach yet to determine how best to improve Benton County’s justice system and mental health services to be equitable, effective, and safe. A top priority has been listening to and receiving feedback from community members including a series of community forums, small group presentations, and surveys this fall. Following an October 18, 2022 report on the results of a second survey, the Board directed County staff to research and present options for the inclusion of funding to directly address homelessness in the bond measure.

Program manager Nick Kurth presented the Board with those options at a special Board meeting today. A set of criteria for inclusion in the bond measure was presented as well as five possible funding scenarios. Criteria included alignment with previously accepted facilities recommendations from the Homelessness, Opportunity, Planning and Equity Advisory Board (HOPE) and a project that has already started to engage community stakeholders. Funding from the bond would serve as a financial catalyst rather than a full project investment and would involve outside stakeholders, supporting partnerships and collaboration with the County.

After considering several options, the Board voted unanimously in support of including funding for homelessness services facilities with a preferred partner option of the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center’s (CDDC) homelessness resources and housing navigation center project. Staff and guests at CDDC have been working on a plan to scale up the current Daytime Drop-in Center as well as add a respite/emergency shelter component to the facility. Working alongside community partners, CDDC is poised to seek state funds like those provided through House Bill 2006, aimed at “funding a low-barrier emergency shelter that connects individuals and families with health services, permanent housing, and public benefits.” The center would also “house diverse agencies that provide services to shelter guests as well as the greater community.”

“The Drop-in Center is eager for this opportunity to increase support for some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” shared Allison Hobgood, Executive Director of CDDC. “This expansion project opens up the possibility for new and powerful collaborations across public private partnerships. It also means forwarding a vision for CDDC growth that is being voiced by the guests we serve. I’m grateful for the positive reception CDDC’s navigation center project has already had in the community. So many folks in Benton County understand the need for increased support for people experiencing homelessness. Everyone wants to do something—together—about it. It’s really meaningful.”

In December, the Benton County Board of Commissioners will begin discussions about finalizing a bond measure of up to $100 million to be placed on the May 2023 ballot. Members of the public can learn more or sign up to receive updates and announcements related to the Justice System Improvement Program on the web at www.bentoncountyjustice.org.

Benton County Crisis Center a personal passion for an Oregon Senator – Oct. 26, 2022

“This is deeply personal for the Wyden household,” said Oregon Senator Ron Wyden as he toured the site of the upcoming Benton County Crisis Center in downtown Corvallis.

Wyden, along with Benton County Commissioners Nancy Wyse, Pat Malone, and Xan Augerot, toured the building site at the corner of 4th Street and Van Buren Blvd. in downtown Corvallis. The center will offer walk-in mental health services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will be a therapeutic place for those in need to stabilize from a mental health crisis from a few hours up to 29 days.

Senator Wyden, along with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and U.S. Representative Peter DeFazio, helped secure $1 million dollars in congressional funding for the center. During the tour, Wyden said his own brother’s mental health issues spurred him to support this and other services to help those in mental health crises.

“This is something that I am very much committed to tackling personally,” Wyden said.

“We know that we’ve got a lot to do, and this million dollars here at the respite center is dollar for dollar going to be one very, very smart investment because this gives us a chance to do more in the community.”

The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program, a multi-year project based on a comprehensive assessment completed in 2018. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of the program. This project has received a total of $7.7 million in state and federal funding and additional funds for expanded crisis center services are planned to be included in a proposed bond measure expected to go before voters in May of 2023.

Prior to the tour, Mahlum Architects and Gerding Builders presented a journey-map demonstrating that the design of the facility is based on client needs. The space will be safe, trauma-informed, accessible, welcoming, and meets the unique needs of Benton County residents.

The project design is a collaboration between many public and private organizations including:

Benton County Health Department
Benton County Public Works
Mahlum Architects
Gerding Builders
Samaritan Health Services
InterCommunity Health Network
Pathfinder Clubhouse
Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center
Strengthening Rural Families
Oregon State University

The center will help relieve burdens on Benton County law enforcement as well as Samaritan Health Services.

“Every community is unique, and it takes local leaders and community stakeholders working together to develop something that’s really going to meet the needs of that community,” said Doug Boysen, CEO of Samaritan Health Services. “This was identified as one of our highest needs. So, our community spoke that this was something that was needed.”

The center will help keep individuals from needing to use higher levels of care including the acute psychiatric inpatient unit at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. It could also help prevent individuals in need of treatment from facing incarceration at the Benton County Jail by providing a voluntary, treatment-centered approach. Representatives of the County’s law enforcement community attended the tour to show their support.

The center will offer services such as:

Crisis assessments and case management
Short-term therapy and skills training
Connection to treatment services and social services
Engagement with primary care providers

“With this new facility, our aim is to provide improved access to mental health crisis services by operating the crisis center 24/7, 365 days a year,” said Ricky Garcia, from Benton County Health. “This means crisis counselors available to help and support individuals in need day or night, rain or shine. It’s big!”

For more information about the Benton County Crisis Center, please email healthdeptcomms@co.benton.or.us.

Community Safety Forum scheduled Wednesday, Oct. 19 – Oct. 18, 2022

Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) is a multi-year project that began with a detailed 2018 assessment. The findings of that research showed that existing facilities are antiquated, too small, and have security issues. Currently, people experiencing addictions and mental illness struggle to find help, and limited jail space means offenders are routinely released into the community, with no access to mental health services or addiction treatment programs.

Now, after more than 30 community engagement events and refinement of facilities plans, the Board of Commissioners is preparing to consider a bond measure for May 2023 to fund some of the planned facilities.

On Wednesday, Oct. 19, the County will host a community safety forum to share information about the County’s role in public safety, current facility shortcomings and constraints, and the impacts of these constraints on services. Questions from the public will follow the presentation.

This is the second of two community forums intended to identify the issues of greatest importance to voters. Please join us in person or use the link below to register for online attendance via Zoom.

Benton County Community Safety Forum: Improving Accountability and Emergency Response

When: Wednesday, October 19, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Linus Pauling Middle School, 1111 NW Cleveland Ave, Corvallis
Register for the October 19 meeting (online attendees only)

For more information about the Justice System Improvement Program, please visit www.bentoncountyjustice.org.

County voters favor including homeless services in potential bond measure – Oct. 18, 2022

Results of a second survey about the elements of the Justice System Improvement Program were presented to the Benton County Board of Commissioners at their October 18, 2022 board meeting. The survey was conducted by Oregon-based DHM Research from September 7-14. It was commissioned by the County as a follow up to the May 2022 survey and designed to gather information about a potential Benton County Justice System Improvement Bond on the May 2023 ballot and to identify voter priorities for key potential elements of bond. 400 respondents were interviewed, and the survey has a margin of error of ±4.9%.

By a margin of 57-36, voters surveyed supported a hypothetical $95 million bond measure that would fund investments in community safety, mental health, and homeless services facilities. Voters were far less likely to support a different hypothetical measure, at the same cost, that would not include funding for homeless services facilities (49 support – 43 oppose).

The survey also asked about several facilities under consideration for a May 2023 bond: the Mental Health Crisis Center, Corrections Facility with expanded mental health services, Sheriff Offices with co-located Emergency Operations Center, and a Homeless Resources Center. Overall, each of these proposed investments received broad support across the County as a medium to very high priority. The two facilities with the strongest support were the Crisis Center and Homeless Resources Center, with 61 and 58% of voters, respectively, viewing those investments as “high” or “very high” priorities.

“Addressing homelessness and mental health are top priorities for Benton County voters, and it is a top priority for the County,” said Commissioner Xan Augerot. “We have an opportunity to leverage significant state and federal funding to meet these challenges head-on, and it is heartening to see that voters appear willing to partner with us.”

Benton County Crisis Center planning and design gets underway – Oct. 14, 2022

The Benton County Crisis Center will be a new facility that seeks to provide a safe and supportive space for all who enter. An expansion of Benton County Health Department’s existing crisis services, the Benton County Crisis Center will offer walk-in mental health crisis services 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Once operational, the facility will serve all ages, regardless of ability to pay, with no appointment needed. The new facility will be located at 240 NW 4th Street in downtown Corvallis. Planning is underway, and a project construction timeline is currently being developed. Gerding Builders was selected as the contractor for this project, and demolition and preparation of the site are beginning this week.

The crisis center will serve as a low-barrier, open-door resource to all community members experiencing a broad spectrum of mental health crisis needs. It will be designed for anyone who needs a break from stressors to be connected to services and support and will have a “no-wrong-door” approach to support individuals who are having mental health crises for any number of reasons. While not a medical facility, it will fill an important gap in the continuum of care that offers a safe and supportive space for voluntary stabilization to adults who are assessed to need short-term stabilization but do not require the medical capabilities of an acute care hospital or longer-term residential care.

Benton County Behavioral Health has formed a design committee to help inform the design process by providing a crystal clear understanding of the unique needs of Benton County residents and what can be accomplished with the new crisis center. The committee consists of health department staff and mental health professionals as well as community partners and stakeholders, including representatives from Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Intercommunity Health Network Coordinated Care Organization, Pathfinder Clubhouse, Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center, Strengthening Rural Families, and Oregon State University Counseling & Psychological Services.

“We wanted to be sure to have partners at the table whom our crisis team interact with regularly that understand the needs of our community,” said Project Manager Ricky Garcia. “We are incredibly happy with the variety and depth of knowledge of this group.”

Members of the committee helped to select Portland-based Mahlum Architects as the design firm for the project, based on their experience in designing trauma-informed spaces, commitment to empowering communities through design, and dedication to engaging stakeholders in the design process.

In the design planning process, the architect team presents concepts to the design committee members who ask questions, provide insight, and help refine the vision for the final design. The committee recently participated in a journey-mapping exercise that put them in the shoes of someone seeking crisis services to guide the process and flow of services once the center is up and running. Another activity, called visual listening, gave the committee an opportunity to authentically react to different designs, in order to help define the look and feel of the building.

In addition to the design committee, Benton County Behavioral Health is researching and visiting existing crisis stabilization programs throughout Oregon to help determine the program design and flow of services that will best meet the needs of Benton County.

“We are working to put into practice the most successful parts of existing programs in order to build the best possible outcome for the Benton County Crisis Center,” said Ricky Garcia, Project Manager.

The crisis center is a project of Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP), a multi-year effort to improve outcomes in our communities. Addressing mental health needs is a primary focus of JSIP’s vision for enhanced County programs and facilities.

People can learn more about the Benton County Crisis Center and Benton County’s current mental health crisis services by visiting bit.ly/BentonCountyCrisisCenter or by emailing healthdeptcommunications@co.benton.or.us.

County proceeds with eminent domain to purchase Community Safety and Justice Campus site – Sept. 9, 2022

On July 29, 2022, Benton County offered a last and best offer of $5.477 million to purchase a 29.53-acre parcel of land for the new Community Safety and Justice Campus. The property owner has not agreed to the offer and, following the required 40-day waiting period, Benton County has filed for an eminent domain action in court. The last and best offer is designed to both allow the County to extend a fair and just offer of compensation and to assure the property owner that the County is prepared to pay fair market value for the property. The property is situated along Highway 20, approximately one mile north of downtown Corvallis, and zoned general industrial.

“Eminent domain is an extremely rare path for Benton County to choose and we don’t take it lightly,” shared County Counsel Vance Croney. “The County has negotiated in good faith, over a long period of time, with the property owner, but has been unsuccessful in reaching agreement, leaving it with no choice but to pursue acquisition through the court system.” Now that the County has filed for eminent domain in court, the County will not able to make further comment until the court case has concluded.

Following several efforts to negotiate a sales price with the property owner over a period of two years, on March 1, 2022, the Board adopted Resolution of Necessity R2022-001 allowing the Board to declare it necessary and in the best interest of the public to acquire the property for critical facilities. Based on that direction, the County began an eminent domain process prescribed by state statute that ensures fair-market compensation to the property owner.

Construction of the new Courthouse and District Attorney’s Office will be the first projects on the new campus. DLR Group has been hired as the project architects. The Courthouse will be funded with a 50% matching grant and the remaining costs for these two facilities will be funded using borrowed funds that will be secured and paid back through the County’s available General Fund Balance. The Board of Commissioners has maintained a commitment to the preservation of the historic courthouse, and a community-based committee is tasked with developing repurposing options for the Board’s consideration.

The remaining facilities proposed for the campus are subject to a voter-approved bond issue, currently planned for May 2023. Members of the public may sign up to receive updates and announcements related to the Justice System Improvement Program online at the following link: https://www.co.benton.or.us/justice/page/stay-informed.

County finalizing site master plan for Community Safety and Justice Campus – Sept. 6, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners recently received a report on the site master plan developed for the new Community Safety and Justice Campus, located one mile north of downtown Corvallis adjacent to the HP Inc. campus. Architects from DLR Group have conducted multiple work sessions with County staff and community partners to develop test fits of proposed County justice system facilities on the campus. The site plan is nearing the final stages of development.

The site is currently zoned industrial and has been evaluated for requirements related to setbacks, utilities, roadways, and the flood plain. The site master plan also reflects the County’s values of sustainability and accessibility. Next steps include sharing the plan with the City of Corvallis Planning Department and working with ODOT to determine points of access to the site from Highway 20.

Buildings on the 29.53 acre campus will be oriented to provide views of nature and the Willamette River. The three-story Courthouse will be oriented to provide views beyond the site, to the Willamette River, towards downtown Corvallis, as well as Mary’s Peak. The planned buildings are oriented to maximize daylighting of interior spaces, control glare, and reduce solar heat gain.

The buildings and parking area will be located to utilize the natural site topography which drains to the west and north. The orientation of the plan allows water to be directed into new landscape channels at the site perimeter which will then connect to the larger natural system. This approach is sustainably-minded because it uses landscaping for water quality treatment, reduces the need for underground utilities, and reduces costs. While the site is not within the 100-year flood plain, a small portion of the southwest corner of the site is located within the 500-year floodplain. This does not pose an issue for construction because all buildings will be located above the flood plain elevation.

A preliminary traffic study was completed in February 2021 using a scenario of a multi-building justice campus. Community access to the site will be via a proposed new Corvallis Transportation System Plan collector street off Highway 20. The maximum projected trips to the site are so low they do not warrant a traffic light from Highway 20 to the collector street that will run across the site, but a left turn lane from Highway 20 to the collector street is warranted. Public transit options will be explored as the County continues to build out the site. The Courthouse is the visual center of the site plan, the public parking lot is located adjacent to the Courthouse, and buildings will have public lobbies facing a centralized public parking area.

The property was selected by the Board of Commissioners in January 2022 after an 18-month, community-involved process that evaluated multiple options to meet the needs of Benton County’s justice system. Following several efforts to negotiate a sales agreement with the property owner, in July 2022, the County offered a last and best offer of $5.477 million to purchase the property. If, after 40 days from receiving the offer, a sale is not negotiated, the County may file an eminent domain lawsuit to acquire the property. This is a process to determine the fair and reasonable purchase price for the property needed to build necessary facilities for the benefit of the public.

Last month, the Board voted to leverage a 50% matching grant for the Courthouse and fund construction of the new Benton County Courthouse and the District Attorney’s Offices through County borrowing. The new Courthouse will replace the iconic Historic Courthouse. A Benton County Historic Courthouse Preservation Committee has been tasked with developing repurposing options. Benton County Director of Public Works Gary Stockhoff is the project manager for the new Courthouse and District Attorney’s Offices.

“We are looking forward to getting started with the design process. The County recently selected DLR Group to provide architectural services for the Courthouse and District Attorney’s Offices. Our contract negotiations are underway and should be completed before the end of September. Design efforts will begin immediately once the contract is executed,” said Stockhoff. “Additional proposed buildings for the campus include a new Correctional Facility, Sheriff’s Office, and Emergency Operations Center to replace existing facilities that are inadequate and antiquated.”

Justice System Improvement Program Manager Nick Kurth has been involved in the development of the campus since the beginning of the site selection process that began over two years ago.

“This site master plan sets the stage for implementing the County’s vision of an accessible and efficient justice system. The plan has been designed thoughtfully and aligns with community values. It also offers sufficient space for future expansions of facilities or services for Benton County residents,” said Kurth.

Members of the public can learn more by visiting the Justice System Improvement Program website.

Justice System Improvement Program Fall Forums Announced – Sept. 2, 2022

Benton County’s Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) is a multi-year project that began with a detailed 2018 assessment. Findings of that research showed that existing facilities are antiquated, too small, and have security issues. Currently, people experiencing addictions and mental illness struggle to find help, and limited jail space means offenders are routinely released into the community, with no access to mental health services or addiction treatment programs.

Building on assessment findings, the County engaged with a cross-section of County staff and technical experts and sought additional input from community stakeholders to develop a plan to provide treatment and accountability, ensure safety, and strengthen community. Now, after more than 30 community engagement events and continued refinement in facilities plans, the Board of Commissioners is preparing to consider a bond measure—planned for May 2023—to fund some of the facilities recommended by the assessment. Funding discussions have been underway for several months and more than $55 million in federal, state, existing, and other funding resources have been secured.

This fall, the County will host two community forums to share information about the proposed facilities and how they will improve outcomes in crisis response and community safety. The forums will include a short presentation and panel discussion for questions/answers from the public. Please join us in person or via Zoom. (Please use the links below to register for online attendance)

Benton County Mental Health Forum:
Better Outcomes in Crisis Response and the Justice System

When: Tuesday, September 13, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Linus Pauling Middle School, 1111 NW Cleveland Ave, Corvallis
Register for the September 13 meeting

Benton County Community Safety Forum:
Improving Accountability and Emergency Response

When: Wednesday, October 19, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Linus Pauling Middle School, 1111 NW Cleveland Ave, Corvallis
Register for the October 19 meeting

For more information about the Justice System Improvement Program, please visit www.bentoncountyjustice.org.

Mental health & law enforcement crisis co-response growing after initial successes – Aug. 25, 2022

The Crisis, Outreach, Response, and Engagement, or CORE, co-response program is growing as a result of successful partnership between Benton County Health Department and Corvallis Police Department.

In July 2021, the two agencies launched the CORE program, which pairs a qualified mental health professional and a crisis intervention-trained police officer to resolve mental health crisis calls to minimize incarceration or emergency room visits.

The program was created in response to a growing need for mental health services in Benton County. From 2018 to 2021, the Corvallis Police Department experienced a 58% increase in calls related to mental health services.

Building upon a national framework for law enforcement and behavioral health crisis co-response, CPD and Benton County Behavioral Health decided to pilot the crisis co-response program using existing staff members to measure the program’s success.

The CORE program’s pilot team members include Alyssa Giesbrecht from Benton County Behavioral Health and Officer Trevor Anderson of CPD. Giesbrecht has more than six years’ experience working in mental health, a master’s degree in counseling, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Anderson’s work for CPD includes education and outreach as part of the community livability unit as well as teaching and coordinating mental health crisis intervention and response.

CORE’s mission is to provide trauma-informed care to those experiencing a mental health crisis while ensuring the safety of responders, the person in crisis, and the community. “We know that some folks experiencing mental health crisis may feel fearful of law enforcement, said Eric Bowling, Crisis Manager for Benton County Behavioral Health. “We want to help them feel safe and we want our staff to stay safe as well.”

Geisbrecht wears a protective vest underneath her gray Benton County polo to distinguish her from law enforcement while also keeping her safe.

With just two team members, CORE is not the primary responder to every call for service. Calls to CPD that involve a mental health aspect are assessed for review and response by the CORE team. The CORE team has the ability to spend more time on a call for service, specific to the individual. The team uses crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate people in crisis and can provide referrals, resources, and follow up care for support.

In the program’s first six months, the CORE team responded to 27% of mental health calls made to Corvallis police. From July to December 2021, the Corvallis Police Department responded to 777 calls with a mental health aspect. The CORE team reviewed 268 of these calls for opportunities to offer assistance. Of the 268 mental health calls reviewed, 55% were resolved at the scene with services or resources provided. Only 3% were taken to the hospital and 1% were arrested.

Following the success of the pilot in resolving mental health service calls to police while minimizing hospital visits or incarceration, the program is looking to grow. Corvallis Police Department hopes to route even more mental health calls to CORE for trauma-informed mental health interventions. Benton County Behavioral Health is currently recruiting for another qualified mental health professional to join the team. Interested individuals can contact Eric Bowling at 541-766-6133 for more information about the position.

Benton County also hopes to expand other programs, in addition to CORE, that combine mental health and community safety as part of its Justice System Improvement Plan (JSIP). To learn more about JSIP, visit: co.benton.or.us/justice

Project funding decided for new District Attorney’s Office – Aug. 5, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to co-locate the District Attorney’s Office (DAO) in the new courthouse to be constructed on the Community Safety and Justice Campus. Approximately 9,000 square feet for the District Attorney’s Office will be funded through County borrowing, for a total of $8 million and will be included with courthouse construction and managed by Benton County Public Works. The design process will begin in fall 2022. The new facilities are scheduled to open in 2025.

Last week, the Benton County Board of Commissioners made the decision to proceed with the construction of a new courthouse with a 50% state matching grant and the County borrowing the remaining funds needed. This ensures that the courthouse project will proceed as scheduled and the County will be able to meet the timeline for the grant agreement. The matching funds do not include the costs associated with new facilities for the District Attorney’s Office.

“To best serve our community’s criminal justice system needs, a meaningful investment in the system’s infrastructure is critical,” said Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson.

This investment decision is based on recommendations from the Justice System Improvement Program Technical Advisory Committee and offers operational efficiencies and construction cost savings. It also will relocate the DAO out of the seismically unsafe historic courthouse more quickly.

“Today’s decision to co-locate the District Attorney’s Office with the courthouse on the Community Safety and Justice Campus reflects the Board of Commissioners’ commitment to develop an efficient, effective, and equitable justice system in Benton County,” explained Board Chair Nancy Wyse. “Co-locating these facilities on a campus that will include a new correctional facility and Sheriff’s Office will lead to operational efficiencies and enhanced outcomes for County residents”.

The remaining projects in consideration for a May 2023 bond measure include expanded facilities for a new downtown crisis center, a correctional facility, sheriff’s office, and emergency operations center located on the new campus. In addition to the 30+ presentations and meetings that have taken place earlier in the planning process, several community engagement activities will be offered this fall before the Board makes a final decision about a bond measure to put before voters next spring.

County provides update on Community Safety and Justice Campus site – July 29, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners approved a last and best offer of $5.477 million to acquire a 29.53-acre parcel of land for the new Community Safety and Justice Campus. The property is situated along highway 20, approximately one mile north of downtown Corvallis, and zoned general industrial.

The property was selected by the Board of Commissioners in January 2022 after an 18-month, community-involved process that evaluated multiple options for siting new safety and justice facilities planned as part of the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP). These proposed facilities include a new courthouse, emergency operations center, sheriff’s offices, and a new correctional facility with additional beds and enhanced mental health services. The courthouse will be funded through a 50% state grant. The County is providing its 50% match using borrowed funds that will be secured and payed back through the County’s available General Fund balance. The remaining facilities are subject to a voter-approved bond issue, currently planned for May 2023.

On March 1, 2022, the Board adopted Resolution of Necessity R2022-001 allowing the Board to declare it necessary and in the best interest of the public to acquire the 29.53-acre parcel for critical facilities. Based on that direction, the County began an eminent domain process prescribed by state statute that ensures fair-market compensation to the property owner.

“This decision is a result of a multi-year planning process and will ensure we meet the timeline required to leverage millions of dollars in matching funds from the State of Oregon for new justice facilities,” shared Board of Commissioner Chair Nancy Wyse. “While a negotiated sale would be ideal, the Board of Commissioners believe this is a fair offer to the current owner based on independent appraisal.”

The last and best offer is a legal requirement that must be met before eminent domain proceedings can begin. This offer is designed to both allow the county to extend a fair and just offer of compensation and to assure the property owner that the county is prepared to pay fair market value for the property. If, after 40 days from receiving the offer, the property owner has not agreed to the price, the County may then file for eminent domain in court.

Construction of the new courthouse will be the first project on the new campus. Design work is scheduled to begin in late summer 2022. The Board of Commissioners has maintained a commitment to the preservation of the historic courthouse, and a community-based committee is tasked with developing repurposing options for the Board’s consideration.

The new campus will support multiple County services, including law enforcement and community response. Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall is the co-chair of the JSIP planning process.

“From community surveys and our own data, we know that mental health treatment, crime, and accountability in the justice system are top priorities for Benton County,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “We all want safe and healthy communities, and it’s important that we do it in a way that reflects our values and makes wise use of limited operational funds. We expect that this new campus will support cross-agency efficiencies, improve emergency response, and ensure that criminal offenders are both held accountable and provided with opportunities to get treatment for issues they may be facing, including mental health or addiction. This project is a game-changer for Benton County, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Members of the public may sign up to receive updates and announcements related to the Justice System Improvement Program online at the following link: https://www.co.benton.or.us/justice/page/stay-informed.

Project funding for the new Benton County Courthouse decided – July 20, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to proceed with the construction of a new courthouse with a 50% state matching grant and the County borrowing the remaining funds needed. This decision ensures that the courthouse project will proceed as scheduled and the County will be able to meet the timeline for the HB 5006 state grant agreement. The Board had explored a number of financing options and considered including the project in a May 2023 bond measure. The bond measure planning will proceed without the courthouse project.

Several new facilities are under consideration as part of the Justice System Improvement Program, based on a comprehensive 2018 assessment. For greatest efficiencies, the facilities will be co-located on a Community Safety and Justice Campus. Facilities include a new courthouse and District Attorney’s offices, correctional facility, and Sheriff’s office and Emergency Operations Center. A new Crisis Center is also planned as part of the Justice System Improvement Program and will be located in downtown Corvallis. The May 2023 bond measure may include funding for the crisis center, correctional facility with adequate space to offer specialized services and support for individuals struggling with mental health or addiction challenges, and Sheriff’s offices and an emergency operations center.

The 134-year-old historic Benton County Courthouse presents serious barriers for accessibility, has ADA and seismic deficiencies, and is inefficient. The new courthouse will be located one mile north of downtown Corvallis off 2nd Street on the Community Safety and Justice Campus. The estimated cost for the 34,600 square foot courthouse is $50 million, which includes a 50-percent state matching grant. The project will be managed by Benton County Public Works, with the design process beginning in fall 2022. The new courthouse is scheduled to open in 2025.

Honoring the community’s connection to the historic Courthouse and building grounds, the County is committed to maintaining its significant character for generations to come. Led by Lynne McKee, Benton County Natural Areas, Parks, and Events director, a Historic Courthouse Preservation Committee has undertaken developing repurposing options for the Board’s consideration.

The Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) is a multi-year project that began with a detailed 2018 assessment. Findings of that research showed that existing facilities are antiquated, too small, and have security issues. Currently, people experiencing addictions and mental illness struggle to find help. Limited jail space means offenders are routinely released into the community, with no space for mental health services or addiction treatment programs. The County’s plan involves the development of a number of new facilities as well as expanded mental and behavioral health crisis programs and services to balance treatment and accountability in Benton County.

Survey Points to Prioritizing Mental Health, Community Safety – June 14, 2022

Results of a survey about the elements of the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) were presented to the Benton County Board of Commissioners during the June 14, 2022 work session. Benton County voters want their local government to prioritize investments that address mental health, community safety and people who are navigating homelessness, according to a poll commissioned by the County designed to gather feedback on projects related to the JSIP. The survey, conducted by DHM Research, interviewed 300 respondents between May 23 – 25, 2022, with a margin of error at ±5.7%

The survey found that voters are generally satisfied with County services, especially parks (80%) and sheriff enforcement and patrol (67%). Overall, 41% of respondents believe that Benton County is on the right track, compared to 38% who say it is on the wrong track. Top issues for residents include homelessness (32%), housing affordability (21%), and crime/safety (13%).

Only 23% of respondents were aware of JSIP, a multi-year project based on a comprehensive 2018 assessment of the community safety and justice system. The project is focused on investments in mental health and treatment for addiction, corrections, emergency operations, law enforcement, and the courts. Of those who were aware, only 6% knew that the JSIP includes additional mental health resources.

A new crisis center and corrections facility with mental health beds are top priorities for voters. Among respondents, 64% said the crisis center is a high or very priority, versus 13% giving it a low priority. A corrections facility received similar support, at 56% high priority versus 20% low priority. A plurality of residents support a new Sheriff’s office and emergency operations center (48-20), while support is lower for repurposing the historic courthouse (34-34) and building a new county courthouse (26-46). Overall, half of respondents said that a new crisis center is their top priority.

Seven in ten surveyed believe that a new crisis center and corrections facility with mental health beds will help address homelessness.

The survey asked an informed question about a hypothetical ballot measure that would provide funding to all five projects at a cost of $95 million. Respondents were split on this question, with 46% supporting and 46% opposing.

“These results tell us that Benton County voters care about mental health, homelessness and community safety,” said Commissioner Xan Augerot. “Voters see the crisis center and corrections facility as part of the solution alongside the County’s broader approach to homelessness with the work of the HOPE Advisory Board. We are looking forward to engaging further with folks across the County to share our vision for people-centered justice programs and facilities, and to listen to the needs of our communities.”

The Board will determine a preliminary Justice System Facilities package in August. Funding for these new facilities will come from a variety of sources including nearly $30 million in resources leveraged by the County including state and federal funds for the Crisis Center, Courthouse, and a local bond measure, planned for May, 2023. A final determination on what will be included in the bond measure will be made in December. Additional opportunities for public engagement, including public meetings and small group presentations will take place next fall.

Members of the public may sign up to receive updates and announcements related to the JSIP online at: https://www.co.benton.or.us/justice/page/stay-informed.

Commissioners discuss updates to indoor mask order and adopt Resolution of Necessity – Mar. 1, 2022

During today’s 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 midnight, March 12, 2022. The Board also agreed to include a recommendation in a new order that encourages vulnerable individuals to continue to wear masks in 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. The Board is scheduled to review and consider adoption of the new order during their next meeting on Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

Board of Commissioner meeting materials are available online at: https://bit.ly/BentonCoGov-2022BoardMeetings.

Following the mask mandate discussion, the Board adopted Resolution of Necessity R2022-001. 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 after a 20-month process to determine a site 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.

At the same time, eminent domain affords the County the opportunity to access the 28-acre parcel before resolution of the eminent domain action, such that the legal process will not jeopardize the Justice System Improvement Program’s timeline dependencies. The County attempted on two occasions over several months – winter 2020-2021 and more recently September 2021-January 2022 – to negotiate a fair purchase, but was unable to come to an agreement with the property owner.

Eminent domain is a defined legal process by which governments are able to acquire private property when it is deemed necessary and in the public interest to do so. If eminent domain is ultimately used a jury will determine fair compensation the County will be required to pay McFadden Ranch, LLC, for the purchase of the 28 acres of land.

Board of Commissioners pursue next steps for the Justice System Improvement Program – Feb. 25, 2022

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.

While both the County and the property owner were sincere in their efforts to reach a negotiated purchase – which remains the preferred outcome by both parties to date – the County eventually contemplated the use of eminent domain. Use of eminent domain was specific to the north Corvallis site and depended on two outcomes: 1) the Board of Commissioners selecting McFadden Ranch as the preferred campus site for Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) facilities; and 2) if negotiations to purchase the site faltered. Driving both the Board’s January site-selection decision and ongoing negotiations, or the possible use of eminent domain, is the JSIP timeline and its May 2023 bond measure. The Board was compelled to identify the most compatible site, with the greatest public benefit and causing the least private injury, by the end of January 2022. As such, the County adopted a two-prong strategy in advance of the January 2022 deadline; negotiating in good faith with a strong desire to enter into a negotiated purchase agreement, while also preparing for the possible use of eminent domain.

Because the County and McFadden Ranch, LLC, were unable to enter into a letter of intent for purchase of the 28-acre north Corvallis site, the County is moving forward with eminent domain. As a first official step in a lengthy process that could span 18 months or more, the Board will consider a Resolution of Necessity at their March 1, 2022 meeting. The resolution includes a number of provisions, but essentially declares it necessary and in the best interest of the public to acquire the approximately 28-acre parcel for the purpose of locating justice system facilities.

Neither the Board’s adoption of the Resolution of Necessity, nor proceeding with eminent domain, precludes the County from negotiating a purchase of the property with the owner. The County views eminent domain’s inherent possibility of a negotiated settlement as an advantage, one that provides ample opportunity for the two parties to reach an amicable agreement. At the same time, eminent domain affords the County the opportunity to access the 28-acre parcel before resolution of the eminent domain action, such that the legal process will not jeopardize the JSIP’s timeline dependencies.

Eminent domain is a defined legal process by which governments are able to acquire private property when it is deemed necessary. If eminent domain is ultimately used a jury will actually determine the value of the property that the County will be required to pay McFadden Ranch, LLC, for the purchase of the 28 acres of vacant land.

The County’s JSIP seeks to transform its justice system to achieve a balance of treatment and accountability through a combination of new facilities and programs. In total, the three-phase program will span 10 years, which began with an assessment of the justice system in 2017-18, and concludes with doors opening on the last of the proposed new facilities in 2027-28. To support funding of the new facilities, JSIP includes a capital bond measure scheduled for the May 2023 ballot. Proposed new facilities include a mental health crisis center, correctional facility, courthouse, Sheriff’s office and emergency operations.

Board of Commissioner meeting materials are available online at: https://bit.ly/BentonCoGov-2022BoardMeetings.

Commissioners make final site selection decision for proposed Justice System Improvement Program facilities – Jan. 21, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners met this morning for discussion and to reach a decision between two proposed sites for Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) facilities. The meeting was well attended by the public, who were invited to comment in advance of a decision.

The two sites under consideration for JSIP facilities included a site in west Corvallis on Reservoir Road, and a site in north Corvallis next to the Hewlett-Packard campus. The Board voted unanimously in favor of the north site and directed staff to continue pursuing the property.

The Board had previously delayed a final site selection decision twice, to provide additional time for public engagement and provide County staff further opportunity to explore site options and conduct their due diligence. Preliminary discussions to review site selection options occurred on January 18, as part of the commissioners’ regular Board meeting, and at a virtual public meeting on January 20, in addition to the numerous community outreach events that began last summer and extended into fall and winter.

“We appreciate all the time and effort that has gone into this project by our elected officials, staff, and consultants, and we want to thank each of our community members for their contributions to this important process that helped shape our final decision”, said Board Chair Nancy Wyse. “The Board unanimously agrees that the best site for the new justice system campus is one that has the least negative impact on our community. Based on all of the information we have reviewed to date we believe the north site is the best option.”

Today’s final site selection decision will also allow the new courthouse project to proceed according to the State’s matching funds schedule. In early December, the Board agreed to move forward with construction for a new courthouse – one of four new facilities considered for the JSIP. The County will use a combination of general fund reserves and loans, plus $20 million in matching funds from the State, to advance the project and move into engineering and design by mid-2022.

Commissioners poised to make final site selection decision for proposed Justice System Improvement Program facilities – Jan. 6, 2022

The Benton County Board of Commissioners will meet several times the week of January 17 to begin deliberations and make a final site selection decision for proposed Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) facilities. A preliminary discussion is scheduled for Tuesday, January 18, as part of the commissioners’ regular Board meeting, followed by a virtual public meeting on Thursday, January 20, at 5:30 p.m. to review site selection options. On Friday, January 21, a special Board meeting is scheduled for the commissioners to make a final decision.

Although public comment is available at Board meetings, time restrictions may be imposed. Individual comment may be limited to three minutes. Board meeting links and materials will be made available at: https://bit.ly/BentonCoGov-2022BoardMeetings.

The two sites under consideration for JSIP facilities include a site in west Corvallis on Reservoir Road, and a site in north Corvallis next to the Hewlett-Packard campus. The County has secured a letter of intent with the owner of the west site, and negotiations continue with a representative of McFadden Ranch, LLC., for purchase of the north site. The Board had additionally considered a site in south Corvallis, but dismissed the site in late November, with the option to revisit it if neither the west nor north Corvallis sites work out.

The Board has twice delayed a final site selection decision to provide additional time for public engagement and to provide County staff further opportunity to explore site options and conduct its due diligence.

“Taking additional time to thoroughly examine all of our options is beneficial to both the Justice System Improvement Program and our community,” said County commissioner, Xan Augerot. “In the final weeks of our first round of public engagement this fall, we heard many of our community members ask us to slow down our decision-making process to provide time to evaluate all merits of our proposed sites as well as examine the possibility of an alternate [north Corvallis] site.”

In early December, the Board agreed to move forward with construction for a new courthouse – one of four new facilities considered for the JSIP. The County will use a combination of general fund reserves and loans, plus $20 million in matching funds from the state, to advance the project and move into design by mid-2022. The Commissioners’ final site selection decision on January 21 will allow the new courthouse project to proceed according to the State’s matching funding schedule.

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