Benton County announces public hearing for reconsideration of landfill decision

The Benton County Board of Commissioners has announced a public hearing to reconsider its decision approving an application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. The Hearing on Reconsideration will be held Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 11:00 a.m. in the Holmes & Shipley meeting room, 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

In the Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 6, the Board discussed the purpose of the Jan. 20 hearing. The County’s planning official will present new evidence that became available after the Board of Commissioners reached its decision on Nov. 4, 2025.

On Jan. 20, the Board will determine the manner and timeframe in which the public can submit testimony responding to the new evidence. According to Oregon statute, the applicant, Republic Services, will then have an opportunity to rebut new testimony and evidence.

The Board will consider recommendations from outside counsel regarding a timeline for the open record period and rebuttal that aligns with state law while conducting the reconsideration within the 90 days allowed by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA).

Those recommendations will be available to the public as part of the agenda and meeting packet published to the Board of Commissioners Meeting Portal on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

No public testimony will be accepted at the Jan 20. hearing.

Once a timeline is determined for public testimony and rebuttal, the Board can continue the public hearing to a date intended for deliberations and decision. No vote will be held until that date.

Reconsideration of the land use decision was set in motion at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 16. Commissioner Wyse moved to withdraw for reconsideration the Board’s decision to approve LU-24-027, the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill. Commissioner Malone seconded the motion, which carried 3-0.

The County filed the notice of withdrawal with LUBA that afternoon. This action returned jurisdiction of the land use case to the Board of Commissioners for 90 days.

For more information about the Hearing on Reconsideration visit https://www.bentoncountyor.gov/coffin-butte-landfill.