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November 20, 2024 in News

Benton County and AFSCME Reach Agreement on New Contract 

Benton County and ASFCME Local 2064 reached agreement on a new labor contract late in the day on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The contract will be presented to the Benton County Board of Commissioners for approval in the Regular Board Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3. The contract will take effect immediately upon ratification. 

AFSCME representatives took the agreement to their membership at noon today for a final vote of approval, and members voted to accept the contract terms. This action ended a strike that began on Nov. 13. Managers and supervisors have already welcomed many employees back to work, and the rest will return on Thursday, Nov. 21.  

Since the beginning of the labor disruption on Nov. 13, the County has maintained the delivery of essential services with reduced public service hours Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Several of the non-essential services were temporarily suspended to help manage workload.  

Public service hours will remain 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday this week, Nov. 21 and 22, while employees return to work and catch up on communications and any backlog. Visit bentoncountyor.gov/announce for daily updates on service availability as the County transitions back to business as usual. 

Normal public service hours will return Monday-Wednesday next week. This is 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for most services. County offices and Community Health Centers will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

County Administrator Rachel McEneny joined the County’s bargaining team more than a month ago so she could hear AFSCME’s concerns first-hand and lend her support to reaching consensus.

“It took a tremendous amount of teamwork, problem-solving and inclusive decision-making to come to this point,” said McEneny. “This agreement includes creative solutions that will make us stronger as a County.” 

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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 y el sindicato AFSCME llegan a un acuerdo sobre un nuevo contrato  

El Condado de Benton y el sindicato local 2064 de ASFCME llegaron a un acuerdo sobre un nuevo contrato laboral a última hora del martes 19 de noviembre. El contrato se presentará a la Junta de Comisionados del Condado de Benton para su aprobación en la Reunión Ordinaria de la Junta programada para martes 3 de diciembre. El contrato entrará en vigor inmediatamente después de su ratificación.  

Los representantes del sindicato de AFSCME presentaron el acuerdo a sus miembros hoy al mediodía para una votación final de aprobación, y los miembros votaron para aceptar los términos del contrato. Esta acción puso fin a una huelga que comenzó el 13 de noviembre. Los gerentes y supervisores ya han dado la bienvenida a muchos empleados, y el resto regresará el jueves 21 de noviembre. 

Desde el comienzo de la interrupción laboral el 13 de noviembre, el Condado ha mantenido los servicios esenciales con horarios de servicio al público reducidos de lunes a viernes de 10 a. m. a 4 p.m. Varios de los servicios de menos prioridad fueron suspendidos temporalmente para ayudar a navegar la carga de trabajo. 

El horario de atención al público se mantendrá de 10 a.m. a 4 p.m. esta semana el jueves 21 y viernes 22 de noviembre, mientras los empleados regresan al trabajo y se ponen al día con las comunicaciones y cualquier retraso. Visite bentoncountyor.gov/announce para obtener actualizaciones diarias sobre la disponibilidad del servicio a medida que el condado vuelve a su horario como de costumbre.  

El horario normal de servicio al público volverá de lunes a miércoles la próxima semana. Esto es de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m. para la mayoría de los servicios. Las oficinas del Condado y los Centros de Salud Comunitarios estarán cerrados el jueves y viernes 28 y 29 de noviembre por el feriado de Acción de Gracias.  

La administradora del Condado, Rachel McEneny, se unió al equipo de negociación del Condado hace más de un mes para poder escuchar las preocupaciones del sindicato de AFSCME de primera mano y brindar su apoyo para llegar a un acuerdo.

“Se necesitó una enorme cantidad de trabajo en equipo, poder resolver problemas y tomar decisiones inclusivas para llegar a este punto”, dijo McEneny. “Este acuerdo incluye soluciones creativas que nos harán más fuertes como Condado”. 

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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.

November 18, 2024 in News

Some Benton County Services Resume Following Temporary Suspension 

With 57% of the total workforce reporting to work, Benton County is pleased to be able to reintroduce some services that were temporarily suspended last week because of a labor strike. 

These services are now available:  

  • Passport services and marriage licensing and domestic partnerships are available by appointment, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Dog licensing, elections & voter registration, recording, and property value appeals are available 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.    
  • Girls’ Circle, a program of the Juvenile Department, has resumed in schools. 
  • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) in Public Health is now open for all services Monday thru Thursday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Walk-in services remain closed on Fridays. 

      AFSCME employees are still on strike and contract negotiations are ongoing, with the next mediated bargaining scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18.  

      For daily updates on services and hours of operation during the labor disruption visit bentoncountyor.gov/announce.  

      As capacity increases, more services will be provided. Management and unrepresented employees, in addition to employees in two other bargaining units, are currently working. Twenty-seven percent of AFSCME employees are also reporting to work.  

      “We value our employees. Benton County staff are integral to operations and the services communities depend on every day,” said County Administrator Rachel McEneny. “The County has welcomed back some staff who were ready to return to work, and we look forward to seeing many more soon. We will work very hard to reach agreement on this contract.”  

      Benton County continues to prioritize the safety for all Benton County employees. To learn more about Benton County’s Safety Program: bentoncountyor.gov/safety. 

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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. 

      Español

      Algunos servicios del Condado de Benton regresan después de una suspensión temporal 

      CORVALLIS, Oregon – Con el 57% de la fuerza laboral total reportándose a trabajar, el Condado de Benton se complace en poder reintroducir algunos servicios que fueron suspendidos temporalmente la semana pasada debido a una huelga laboral. 

      Estos servicios ahora están disponibles:   

      • Los servicios de pasaportes y licencias de matrimonio y se parejas domésticas están disponibles con cita previa, de 10 a. m. a 3 p. m.   
      • Servicios de licencias para perros, registración de votantes, registros de priopiedad y apelaciones de valor de propiedades están disponibles de 10 a. m. a 4 p. m.   
      • El programa “Girls’ Circle” (Grupo de Niñas) del Departamento Juvenil, se ha reanudado en las escuelas.  
      • El programa de WIC (Mujeres, Bebés y Niños) en Salud Pública ahora está abierto para todos los servicios de lunes a jueves, de 10 a. m. a 4 p. m. Los servicios sin cita previa permanecen cerrados los viernes. 

      Los empleados del sindicato de AFSCME todavía están en huelga y las negociaciones para el contrato siguen, y la próxima negociación está programada para el martes 18 de noviembre.   

      Para obtener actualizaciones diarias sobre los servicios y horarios de operación durante la interrupción laboral, visite bentoncountyor.gov/announce.   

      A medida que aumente la capacidad, se prestarán más servicios. Actualmente están trabajando gerentes, empleados que no son representados por un sindicato, y también  empleados que son representados por dos otros sindicatos. El veintisiete por ciento de los empleados de AFSCME también se han presentado a trabajar.   

      “Valoramos a nuestros empleados. El personal del Condado de Benton es parte integral de las operaciones y los servicios de los que dependen las comunidades todos los días”, dijo la administradora del condado, Rachel McEneny. “El condado ha dado la bienvenida a algunos miembros del personal que estaban listos para regresar a trabajar y esperamos ver a muchos más pronto. Trabajaremos muy duro para llegar a un acuerdo sobre este contrato”.   

      El Condado de Benton continúa priorizando la seguridad de todos los empleados del Condado de Benton. Para obtener más información sobre el programa de seguridad del condado de Benton: bentoncountyor.gov/safety. 

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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.

      November 18, 2024 in News

      Increased Flood Risk for South Corvallis and Kiger Island Areas

      ***Español a continuación***

      Benton County urges the community to be cautious of possible flooding risks this week. The timing of the flooding may change, but it is currently expected to occur Wednesday, 11/20 through Saturday, 11/23.

      Flooding: River monitoring shows that the Willamette River may have impacts all along the riverbanks and into south Corvallis as well as around Kiger Island Road and other areas. Flooding is not expected to reach Action Stage, but precautions should continue to be taken. The Mary’s River will also get full, but it is not yet projected to flood in a significant manner. Smaller streams and tributaries will be full and may experience localized flooding as well.  The Long Tom near Monroe will also hit “Action Stage” which will cause localized flooding along low-laying areas. 

      Chances are decreasing for flooding impacts with a prolonged minor to moderate atmospheric river event Tuesday through Friday (11/20-11/22). 

      Rain: Volume to increase between Tuesday 11/20 through Friday 11/22 and will likely be close to an inch each day. 

      Wind: Gusts expected to be 40 MPH through Tuesday 11/20 night. 

      Community members are strongly advised to use caution and follow these safety guidelines: 

      • Turn Around, Don’t Drown:
        • Stay out of floodwaters.
        • Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas.
      • Road Closures and High-Water Signs:
      • CDC Warning:
      • Water Force and Power:
        • People often underestimate the force and power of water.
        • Deaths, especially in cars swept downstream, are preventable.
        • Never drive around barriers blocking a flooded road, as the road may have collapsed under the water.
        • Just 6 inches of fast-moving floodwater can knock over an adult.
        • 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars.
        • 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.

      Benton County strongly recommends that community members monitor emergency road notifications at Benton County Road Closures and Notices.

      River Level Monitoring:

      Additional Resources:

      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. 

      Mayor riesgo de inundaciones para las áreas del Sur de Corvallis y Kiger Island

      El Condado de Benton le pide a la comunidad a tener cuidado ante posibles riesgos de inundaciones esta semana. El momento de la inundación puede cambiar, pero actualmente se espera que ocurra del miércoles 11 de noviembre al sábado 23 de noviembre.   

      Inundaciones: El monitoreo del río muestra que el río Willamette puede tener impactos a lo largo de las orillas del río y en el sur de Corvallis, así como alrededor de la calle Kiger Island Road y otras áreas. No se espera que las inundaciones lleguen a la Etapa de Acción, pero se deben seguir tomando precauciones. El río Marys también se llenará, pero aún no se prevé que se inunde de manera significativa. Los arroyos más pequeños estarán llenos y también pueden experimentar inundaciones localizadas.  El rio Long Tom cerca de Monroe también llegará a la “Etapa de Acción”, lo que provocará inundaciones localizadas a lo largo de áreas bajas.

      Las posibilidades de impactos de inundaciones están disminuyendo con un evento atmosférico de los rios entre las fechas del martes 11/19 al viernes 11/22. 

      Lluvia: El volumen de agua aumentará entre el martes 11/201 y el viernes 11/22 y probablemente será cerca de una pulgada cada día.  

      Viento: Se esperan ráfagas de 40 MPH hasta el martes 20/11 por la noche. 

      Se les pide fuertemente a los miembros de la comunidad que tengan precaución y sigan estos pasos de seguridad:

      • Dese la vuelte y no se ahogue:
        • Manténgase lejos de las inundaciones.
        • No intente conducir/manejar por áreas inundadas.
      • Cierres de carreteras y letreros de nivel alto de agua:
        • Se colocarán letreros cuando haya cierres de carreteras y cuando haya nivel alto de agua en las áreas afectadas.
        • No conduzca alrededor de las barricadas de cierre de carreteras.
      • Advertencia de los CDC:
      • Fuerza y ​​Potencia del Agua:
        • Personas suelen pensar que es menos la fuerza y ​​el poder del agua de lo que en realidad es.
        • Las muertes, especialmente en los automóviles arrastrados por la corriente, se pueden prevenir.
        • Nunca conduzca alrededor de barreras que bloqueen un camino inundado, ya que el camino podría haberse derrumbado bajo el agua.
        • Sólo 6 pulgadas de agua de una inundación que se mueve rápidamente pueden tumbar a un adulto.
        • 12 pulgadas de agua corriente pueden arrastrar a la mayoría de los automóviles.
        • 2 pies de agua corriente pueden arrastrar vehículos SUVs y camiones.

      El Condado de Benton recomienda fuertemente que los miembros de la comunidad estén informados y estén al tanto de notificaciones de emergencia en las carreteras en visitando:  Avisos y cierres de carreteras del Condado de Benton.

      Monitoreo del nivel del río:

      Recursos Adicionales:

      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. 

      November 17, 2024 in News

      Contract Negotiations Continue Between Benton County and AFSCME Local 2064

      Representatives of Benton County management and AFSCME Local 2064 arrived to begin bargaining at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. A little after 5:00 p.m. the mediator asked if either party had further offers or bargaining for the day. Neither party did, so the mediator dismissed everyone. 

      The next bargaining session is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19. The Benton County Board of Commissioners meeting set to take place on Monday, Nov. 18 was rescheduled to Friday, Nov. 22 so the County can prioritize negotiations.

      In the previous session on Tuesday, Nov. 12, the County presented a new compensation proposal at 11:35 a.m. with a 5:00 p.m. expiration time in an effort to prevent a strike. The offer included a $2,000 payment to every AFSCME member on ratification of the contract, a higher annual increase in the first year of the contract, and matching contributions to employees’ Health Savings Accounts on top of the annual increases and salary schedule adjustments that were previously offered. The offer was not accepted and expired at 5 p.m.

      Because Tuesday’s offer was not accepted before it expired, Friday’s bargaining began with the County’s previous offer that was presented with two implementation options on Nov. 1. This offer includes a $1,500 payment to every AFSCME member upon ratification of the contract, annual wage increases of 4.4% in the first year of the contract and 3% in the second and third years, and additional steps added to salary schedules to allow for future wage growth.

      Market Study for AFSCME Positions

      AFSCME members indicate they want to be treated the same as management and unrepresented employees when it comes to pay increases. They can be if they go through the same process to determine what is an appropriate increase: a market study like the one that evaluated unrepresented employees’ wages and determined if and how much they should be adjusted.

      The County introduced something new to the bargaining by suggesting they employ an independent consultant to conduct a pay study for all AFSCME employees. This would determine how their wages compare with market rates for their positions. Setting wages this way would create equity throughout the County by using the same method to set salaries for all employees: management, union-represented, and non-represented. 

      A market study is an intensive process that takes several months to complete, so the immediate action, if agreed upon, would create a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with AFSCME committing the County to hire a consultant to begin the study after a labor contract is ratified. Once the study is complete, AFSCME employees’ wages would then be corrected to align with market rates. 

      Clarifying the Vacancy Factor

      The Union has suggested the County is not using a vacancy factor which would reduce the cost of their proposal and bring it in line with available revenues. A “vacancy factor” is a tool used in the budgetary process to determine estimated savings that will occur over the course of a budget period from position vacancies. 

      Because the County has not been specifying a vacancy factor in its cost proposal calculations during the bargaining process, the Union has assumed vacant positions are taking up available funds, and, as a result, more money should be available to spend on pay increases for AFSCME employees. 

      While the County appreciates the Union’s concern, a vacancy factor is being used against the total cost of any proposal to ensure it is within the estimated revenues available. It would be inappropriate to use within the costing of proposals as it would not represent what the true cost is to support all necessary AFSCME positions. However, if applied this way, it would return the same result and show the current county proposal is within the estimated available revenue.

      November 16, 2024 in News

      Board of Commissioners Meeting Rescheduled as Benton County Prioritizes Labor Negotiations

      Negotiations continued today between Benton County management and representatives of AFSCME Local 2064. The two parties met for a full day of mediation, but agreement has not yet been reached on a contract. The next mediation session has been scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 19.

      In order to prioritize the ongoing negotiations, the Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting originally scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18 has been rescheduled to Friday, Nov. 22 at 10:00 a.m. “Both labor and management have put in long hours focused on maintaining county services and on reaching a new contract agreement,” said Commissioner Xan Augerot. “Out of respect for their efforts, we wanted to clear our calendars for continued negotiations, as necessary.”

      Visit the County’s website for the agenda and information about attending the Nov. 22 meeting in person or virtually.

      Two special meetings have been scheduled for Monday, Nov. 18 and Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 12:00 p.m. Following each Special Meeting opening and agenda review and approval, the Board will convene in Executive Session with respect to labor negotiations, which is confidential and not open to the public.

      November 12, 2024 in News

      Benton County Provides New Wage Proposal in Negotiations with AFSCME

      Contract negotiations continue today between Benton County management and the members of AFSCME Local 2064. Benton County provided a new proposal around 11:30 a.m. in an effort to avoid a strike. The offer expires at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. 

      In addition to other provisions, the County offered the following:

      • An initial payment of $2,000 to every AFSCME employee upon ratification of the contract.
      • Three additional steps (steps 9, 10, and 11) added to salary schedules to create room for future wage growth and adjust the overall pay grade ranges (i.e. percentage difference between the lowest and highest step) to align with non-represented employee pay grade ranges.
      • A 5% increase upon ratification for all C-band employees.
      • Annual wage increases for all AFSCME employees:
        • 5% increase upon ratification of the contract.
        • 3% increases in the second and third years of the contract. 
      • Additional contributions to employees’ Health Savings Accounts to match all employee HSA contributions up to $500. This is on top of the County’s current contributions: $800 a year for those with individual health insurance plans and $1,400 for individual + family plans.

      All represented employees who have been at step 8 of their pay grade since July 1, 2023, will receive an automatic step up to step 9 prior to the wage increases outlined above. For example, C-band employees at step 8 would see a pay increase of about 13% upon ratification of the contract following the step up. 

      If agreement on the contract is not reached today, AFCSME has provided notice to the county that its represented employees will strike on November 13, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. Visit bentoncountyor.gov/announce for contract negotiation updates and information about County service availability and hours in the event of a strike. 

      Greg Munn

      November 8, 2024 in News

      Benton County Welcomes Greg Munn as Chief Financial Officer

      Benton County is pleased to announce that Greg Munn will serve as the County’s Chief Financial Officer beginning November 18, 2024.

      Munn will oversee a biennial County budget of more than $500 million which supports public safety, health services, park facilities, public works, juvenile services, corrections and probation, community development, internal administrative support, assessment and tax collection, and other services. Additionally, the CFO serves as the financial advisor to the County Administrator and Board of Commissioners and works to ensure prudent accounting and finance practices that help support and maintain the County’s excellent credit ratio of Aa2, which was upgraded in May 2023. 

      Munn is currently the treasurer and chief financial officer for Washington County, Oregon, a position he has held since 2022. Prior to joining Washington County, he served as the elected treasurer and chief financial officer for Deschutes County, Oregon, and the chief financial officer for the High Desert Education Service District headquartered in Redmond, Oregon. He also provided administration and financial management to the school districts in Crook and Jefferson counties and Clark County, Washington.

      “The County has recruited a finance leader with decades of experience in local government and county financial management,” said County Administrator Rachel McEneny. “Greg brings best practices, strong internal controls, and an understanding of our economy as we build and forecast our new biennial budget.” 

      Munn began his career as a financial analyst, accountant, and manager for a variety of private-sector employers, including an outdoor recreation business he created called High Desert Adventures. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business finance from Central Washington University.

      “I am confident in Greg’s vision, knowledge, and experience. His successes are a testament to his record of balanced and responsible budgets,” said McEneny. 

      November 1, 2024 in News

      Statement About Negotiations Between Benton County and AFSCME

      Benton County remains committed to settling this contract. In 140 hours of negotiation, we have seen very little movement from AFSCME on wages, including 70 days with no counter after a financial offer from the County. Since then, the County has brought millions more dollars to the bargaining table. 

      Tonight, we are providing proposed salary tables based on our last best offer for the public and our employees. These are the same documents we shared today with the AFSCME negotiation team. We are also sharing the cost of this proposal. The County is prepared to pay, for total wages and benefits, almost $45 million in year 1 of the contract (a $2.5 million increase over current expenditures), $50.4 million in year 2, and $53.5 million in year 3. This is a total of about $147 million on the table for employee compensation.

      Two additional mediation sessions have been scheduled for November 7 and November 12. We look forward to continuing working toward a resolution.

      More information is available on the County’s website.

      October 31, 2024 in News

      Benton County Receives Conditional Use Permit Application from Republic Services

      On October 30, 2024, Republic Services submitted a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application to expand the Coffin Butte Landfill. This application is a revision of the one filed on July 19, 2024, that was deemed “Incomplete” by the Planning Division of Benton County Community Development. The County anticipates that this revision includes more detailed technical reports and a broader spatial analysis to assess the existing conditions and potential impacts of landfill operations.

      Benton County has a statutory 30-day period to complete a Completeness Check—a quality measure to ensure all required and requested information is included, along with any necessary supporting documents. The County will once again utilize the expertise of an outside consultant for technical support to ensure all aspects of the application are thoroughly reviewed. Because of the timing of this filing—just before a general election and a possible labor strike—the County expects to use the full 30 days allowed to provide a response to Republic Services.

      If the application is deemed Complete, the review process will begin and must be completed within 150 days. If the application is Incomplete, Republic Services may use the rest of the six-month period to provide the County more information from the August 16, 2024 Incompleteness Letter sent to Republic Services. 

      Citizens who would like to receive updates on the process can contact pioinfo@bentoncountyor.gov and request to be added to the County’s solid waste management email list.

      The full application can be viewed online: https://library.municode.com/or/benton_county/munidocs/munidocs?nodeId=761dacfdc0789

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