News

The Benton County Board of Commissioners has approved a grant of up to $100,000 to the Corvallis School District to support planned improvements to the Osborn Aquatic Center.

The City of Corvallis and Corvallis School District jointly operate and maintain the Osborn Aquatic Center, which serves as both a community recreation hub and a regional training and competition facility for students and swim teams. Swim meets and public programs hosted there contribute to local tourism and economic activity.

Providing financial support for a swimming pool is an unprecedented decision for Benton County leaders, but the Board of Commissioners recognizes how much recreation, youth development, training opportunities and tourism revenues have already been affected since Osborn closed in October 2024.

“Osborn Aquatic Center plays an important role in our community’s health and economy,” said Board Chair Nancy Wyse. “From hosting swim meets that draw visitors to supporting recreation opportunities for families, it’s a facility that benefits the entire County. This grant recognizes its value while being mindful of future funding needs.”

Wyse cited sizable budget cuts and the Board’s efforts to maintain current service levels across the County as funding sources are cut. “Even so, I’m proud that we were able to figure out a way to make a meaningful contribution to a project that benefits so many people across our community.”

County Administrator Rachel McEneny echoed the desire to support the aquatic center despite the challenges facing counties. “County governments in Oregon and across the country are facing draconian budget cuts that threaten basic public services our communities rely on, including rural health, mental health, veterans’ services and public safety. These services extend well beyond city limits.”

“While some fiscal realities of cities, school districts and counties are different, we share the same community,” McEneny continued. “Investing very constrained county resources shows that even in tight budget times, Benton County is committed to supporting partnerships that benefit our communities.”

The Benton County Assessor’s Office has released 2025 property tax statements. Property owners can now access certified property values and 2025 tax statements on the County Assessor’s website at https://apps.benton-or.helioncloud.com/PSO/.

Tax statements will be mailed or emailed no later than Oct. 24, 2025.

Business owners who submitted a return electronically through eNoticesonline.com and did not opt out of receiving their Real Property or Business Personal Property statement electronically should check the email account associated with the registered account to find their tax statement. Business Personal Property accounts under the cancellation threshold of $23,000 will not receive a tax statement for the business.  

Important payment information

1. Payments for property taxesmust be postmarked by Nov. 17, 2025.
2. Property owners who choose to pay their taxes in full by Nov. 17 will receive a 3% discount.
3. Alternatively, taxpayers have the option to spread their payments over several installments,but the 3% discount will not apply. The first installment, equal to one-third of the total amount due, is payable on Dec. 16, followed by subsequent one-third payments on Feb. 17 and May 15, 2026.
4. Interest will be charged on any late installment payment as per ORS 311.505.Payments made after Nov. 17 will start accruing interest on Dec. 16.

Payment methods

Taxpayers have multiple convenient methods to make payments:

1. Deposit payments at the drop box in the parking lot of the Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis.
2. Visit the County Tax Office on the first floor of the Kalapuya Building.
3. Send payments through postal mail to the Benton County Tax Office, P.O. Box 964, Corvallis, OR 97339. Payments must be postmarked by Nov. 17 to be considered timely. The payment coupon should be included.
4. Make payments at Oregon State Credit Union branches within Benton County or at the Umpqua Bank in Monroe. Bring the payment coupon when making payments at these financial institutions.This payment option is only available through Nov. 17, 2025.
5. Make online payments by following the steps to pay by credit card, debit card or electronic check.
6. Pay by phone at 1-866-898-2918.

Inquiries for more information regarding tax statements, payment options or related tax matters should be directed to the Benton County Tax Office at 541-766-6808 or financeinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

For valuation questions, contact the Benton County Assessment Department at 541-766-6855 or assessmentinfo@bentoncountyor.gov.

The Benton County Agriculture and Wildlife Protection Program (AWPP) is now open for general applications. The AWPP is a grant program for farmers that promotes agriculture and wildlife co-existence by funding non-lethal wildlife deterrents to prevent losses to livestock, crops and property.

Agricultural operations of all sizes may apply for up to $5,000 in reimbursement funds for the purchase of non-lethal wildlife deterrents which may include standard or electric fencing, sound or light scare devices, fladry or flagging, protective animal housing, livestock guardian animals and other approved options.

Property owners experiencing conflicts with beavers, such as tree damage or flooding, can also apply year-round to purchase deterrents to protect trees and crops or prevent flooding.

The AWPP also provides information and resources to farmers regarding non-lethal wildlife deterrence and can help guide interested citizens in creating successful deterrent plans. Grant applications may be downloaded from the AWPP website and submitted Oct. 1 through Nov. 30. Grant awards will be announced in early January and successful applicants will have until April 30, 2026, to install their projects and request reimbursement after an on-site visit by Benton County staff.

Since 2017, AWPP has provided 37 awards totaling $136,539 to Benton County farmers for the purchase of wildlife-friendly deterrents. Awards are made based upon the applicant’s philosophy of animal damage control, quality of application and likely effectiveness of the proposed non-lethal deterrents project plan. Successful applicants must provide a 10% funding match with labor or materials purchases. The AWPP does not fund deterrents for deer or elk.

Learn more about the AWPP, apply and find more information about the program at pw.bentoncountyor.gov/awpp.

Benton County plans to give dogs their day at an upcoming event for canines and their owners. The first-of-its-kind Dog PAWlooza will be held on Friday, October 3 from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the County’s Kalapuya Building, 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Admission is free. 

Dog PAWlooza will feature agility games, tasty bites from food trucks for people and pups, local vendors and plenty of chances to connect with fellow dog lovers. 

The event is more than a party — it’s a one-stop spot for responsible pet care. Ark Animal Hospital will be on site with a mobile vaccination and microchipping clinic. The Benton County Records Department will be licensing dogs on the spot. Dog owners can also chat with groomers, trainers and rescue groups.  

The first 20 members of the public to register their dogs will receive a $10 gift card to Coastal Farm & Ranch or Wilco Farm Stores. 

Participants might even meet their new best friend among the adoptable dogs and cats waiting for a forever home.  

Animal control officers from the City of Corvallis and City of Albany will be there to answer questions about dog-related regulations, how to protect yourself and your pet and what to do if your pup goes missing.  

Oregon law requires all dogs to be licensed, but that’s not the only reason the County is hosting this event. When a licensed dog is brought to a shelter, the owner can quickly be identified and the dog returned home. It ensures a beloved pet won’t spend multiple nights in a shelter while the owners worry. 

License fees also support animal services and adoption programs that benefit the whole community. 

For more information and a current list of participating organizations and vendors, visit re.bentoncountyor.gov/events/dog-paw-looza-2025.