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June 27, 2025 in News

Benton County releases supplemental staff report for hearing on proposed landfill expansion 

The Benton County Planning Division has released the supplemental staff report for LU-24-027, the conditional land use application for the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill. The report is available for public viewing on the County’s Munidocs platform. A number of new exhibits submitted by the applicant and the County have also been uploaded to the platform. 

The Planning Commission will reconvene on July 8 for the public hearing. It will be held in the Holmes & Shipley Meeting Room on the first floor of the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis, with an option for online attendance through Zoom.  

Requests for physical or language accommodations should be emailed to permitcheck@bentoncountyor.gov at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing. 

The schedule for the rest of the application process is as follows: 

Tuesday, July 1, 1:00 p.m.  
Last date to submit written evidence through the online portal or by email. Written testimony may still be mailed or delivered in person to the Community Development Department (4500 SW Research Way, Corvallis, OR 97333). 

Monday, July 7, 4:00 p.m. 
Last date to submit written testimony in person at the Community Development Department and to receive mailed testimony (it must be received in-office by this date, NOT postmarked by this date). Written testimony can still be submitted in person at the public hearing on July 8 and 9. 

Tuesday, July 8, 6-9 p.m. 
Public hearing continues with presentations of supplemental staff report and applicant update. If time permits, begin public verbal testimony on new evidence only. 
Zoom registration  

Wednesday, July 9, 6-9 p.m.  
Public hearing finishes by 8:45 p.m. and applicant receives 15 minutes for rebuttal.  
Zoom registration  

Tuesday, July 22, 6 p.m. 
Deliberations by Planning Commission. No public comment will be heard. 
Zoom registration  

Tuesday, July 29, 6 p.m. 
Meeting to adopt final written decision and findings. 
Zoom registration 

Written testimony 

There are multiple ways to submit written testimony. To ensure adequate processing and delivery time for digital submissions, deadlines vary for the different methods: 

  • The online form will close at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1. 
  • In-person delivery to the Community Development office will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Monday, July 7. 
  • Mailed submissions must be received by 4 p.m. on Monday, July 7. The Planning Division will not consider the postmark date if a submission is received after this deadline. 
  • In-person delivery at the public hearing will be accepted starting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8 and Wednesday, July 9. 

Verbal testimony 

Community members may participate in a second round of verbal testimony during the public hearing on July 8 and 9. This is an opportunity to present and rebut new evidence, arguments or testimony. This means evidence, arguments and testimony that has not been presented before and that contains new subject matter.  People who provided verbal testimony on May 6 or 8 may testify again as long as their testimony meets the novel information requirement. 

Sign-up for verbal testimony will open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 1 and close at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8.  

To sign up to deliver verbal testimony or find more information about LU-24-027, including recordings of all previous meetings in the public hearing, visit bentoncountyor.gov/coffin-butte-landfill. 

Benton County Crisis Center ribbon cutting

June 26, 2025 in Health NewsNews

Governor and Congresswoman celebrate Benton County Crisis Center; public invited to tour this weekend

* Español a continuación *

Benton County administration, elected officials and behavioral health partners gathered on June 20 to celebrate the completion of the Benton County Crisis Center. Governor Tina Kotek and Congresswoman Val Hoyle joined the Board of Commissioners and other County leaders in a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the new building.  

The Crisis Center, located at 240 NW 4th Street in downtown Corvallis, will begin providing walk-in crisis counseling and mobile crisis dispatch on July 7. Stabilization and respite services will be added as part of the phased opening approach. 

Behavioral health is a priority for Governor Kotek and has been throughout her career in public service. Kotek is currently focused on building statewide capacity for every Oregonian to have access to behavioral health services and support no matter where they live or what they can afford. 

“This center is a result of our state’s ongoing work for more spaces and places for Oregonians to get the help they deserve,” Governor Kotek said. “It is the type of capacity that we need, where someone in crisis can stabilize in a safe space, and for those who need more time, a residential setting where they can stay up to 29 days and receive therapy, life skills training, case management, and connections to long-term care.” 

Benton County Commissioner Nancy Wyse cited an increase in need over the last decade for mental and behavioral health support as well as substance use services. She believes the COVID pandemic exacerbated the problem, and that social and economic pressures also add to the strain.  

“There are many stressors affecting everyone in our community —no one is immune to a behavioral health crisis,” said Commissioner Wyse. “Benton County brought together a variety of experts, including health partners, law enforcement and architects, to design this facility that will fill critical gaps in our continuum of care and be a safe, welcoming, therapeutic space for everyone.” 

The community is invited to see the new Crisis Center during the public open house and information fair on Saturday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to noon. Visitors can stop at information stations set up throughout the building to learn about its planning, design and construction and the services that will be offered in each space. Partner organizations will be present to share information about other behavioral health supports available in the community. 

More information is available at health.bentoncountyor.gov/crisis-center-open-house/. 

View photos of the June 20 Crisis Center ribbon-cutting event   

La gobernadora y la congresista celebran el Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton; el público está invitado a visitarlo este fin de semana 

La administración del Condado de Benton, funcionarios electos y organizaciones de la comunidad que trabajan en el campo de salud mental se reunieron el 20 de junio para celebrar la finalización del Centro de Crisis del Condado de Benton. La gobernadora Tina Kotek y la congresista Val Hoyle se unieron a la Junta de Comisionados y otros líderes del condado en la ceremonia de inauguración del nuevo edificio. 

El Centro de Crisis, ubicado en 240 NW 4th Street, en el Centro de Corvallis, comenzará a ofrecer consejería de crisis sin cita previa y un servicio móvil de atención de crisis el 7 de julio. Se añadirán servicios de estabilización y respiro como parte de la apertura gradual. 

La salud mental es una prioridad para la gobernadora Kotek y lo ha sido a lo largo de su carrera en el servicio público. Kotek se centra actualmente en fortalecer la capacidad estatal para que todos los habitantes de Oregón tengan acceso a servicios y apoyos de salud mental, sin importar dónde vivan o su presupuesto. 

“Este centro es el resultado del trabajo continuo de nuestro estado para crear más espacios y lugares donde los habitantes de Oregón puedan recibir la ayuda que merecen”, declaró la gobernadora Kotek. “Es el tipo de capacidad que necesitamos, donde una persona en crisis pueda estabilizarse en un espacio seguro y para quienes necesitan más tiempo, un espacio residencial donde puedan permanecer hasta 29 días y recibir terapia, capacitación en habilidades para la vida, manejo de casos y acceso a cuidados a largo plazo”. 

La comisionada del Condado de Benton, Nancy Wyse, mencionó un aumento en la necesidad de apoyo para la salud mental, así como de servicios para el abuso de sustancias, durante la última década. Cree que la pandemia de COVID agravó el problema y que las presiones sociales y económicas también agravan la situación. 

“Hay muchos factores estresantes que afectan a todos en nuestra comunidad; nadie es inmune a una crisis de salud mental”, afirmó la comisionada Wyse. “El Condado de Benton reunió a diversos expertos, incluyendo socios de salud, autoridades policiales y arquitectos, para diseñar este centro que cubrirá las necesidades críticas de nuestra atención continua y será un espacio seguro, acogedor y terapéutico para todos”.  

Se invita a la comunidad a conocer el nuevo Centro de Crisis durante el evento de bienvenida y la feria de recursos el sábado 28 de junio, de 9:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Los visitantes podrán visitar las estaciones de información distribuidas por todo el edificio para conocer su planificación, diseño y construcción, así como los servicios que se ofrecerán en cada espacio. Organizaciones colaboradoras estarán presentes para compartir información sobre otros apoyos de salud mental disponibles en la comunidad. 

Más información está disponible en health.bentoncountyor.gov/crisis-center-open-house/. 

Vea fotos de la ceremonia de apertura del Centro de Crisis el 20 de junio    

June 24, 2025 in News

Last-minute exhibits for landfill hearing delay release of Supplemental Staff Report

The Benton County Planning Division announces a two-day delay in the release of the supplemental staff report for LU-24-027, the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill. The report was expected to be ready for release today. Consultants for the County now anticipate having the report ready for distribution by the end of the day on Thursday, June 26.

Yesterday the County received ten new exhibits from the applicant. Consultants are working to incorporate these into the supplemental staff report. The two additional days will also give them time to consult with County staff about the new information.

By law, the County is required to distribute the supplemental staff report at least seven days prior to the continued public hearing before the Planning Commission on July 8. By initially planning to release the report 14 days prior to the hearing date — on June 24 — the County allowed extra time in the schedule for unforeseen delays while still allowing Planning Commissioners and the public adequate time to review it.

Once the report is published, it will be available to the public on the Munidocs platform. Notification of the report’s availability will be posted on the County’s website, communicated through a press release and sent through email to everyone registered as an Interested Party.

Visit the Benton County website for more information about the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill.

June 16, 2025 in News

Sustainable Materials Management Plan task force to share recommendations for slashing solid waste

A task force assembled by Benton County has concluded the first phase of work on a regional Sustainable Materials Management Plan. Representatives of the group will present their findings to the Benton County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, June 17 in a meeting scheduled to begin at 9 a.m.

The meeting will be held at the County’s Kalapuya building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or virtually. More information is available on the Board of Commissioners Meeting Portal.

Sustainable development and environmental stewardship are priorities for Benton County leadership and the Board of Commissioners. In spring 2024 they committed to searching for ways to dramatically reduce the amount of solid waste at the end of the materials life cycle — trash, recycling and compost — by addressing the beginning (production) and middle (reuse and repair) of that life cycle. The County began assembling a group of experts and decision-makers from throughout the region.

The resulting SMMP task force includes City and County government elected officials and staff, state agency representatives and experts and innovators in sustainable materials and solid waste management. At a kickoff meeting in October 2024, four subcommittees were created to consider policy initiatives, necessary investments, cross-governmental collaboration and programmatic recommendations.

Subcommittees dedicated to food & organics, the built environment and products & packaging evaluated case studies of policies that state and local government can pursue to reduce life cycle material impacts. The resulting recommendations support the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ’s Material Management Program priorities.

The fourth subcommittee, focused on regional solid waste management, looked at solutions to proactively prepare for the closure of the Coffin Butte landfill sometime around 2037. Coffin Butte receives waste from 11 counties in northwest Oregon.

“The time to act is now. Solid waste facilities are notoriously time-consuming to get site approval for,” said Bailey Payne, solid waste coordinator for Benton County. “Any facility investments recommended by this committee will take many years to come to fruition.”

Cost is another challenge that requires local and state governments working together. “Collaboration between communities will allow the region to look at solutions that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive to any individual jurisdiction,” said Payne.

A final report on the work of the SMMP task force will be developed in July. It will include context and data, key findings and recommendations for each subcommittee and for systemic challenges facing our region. The recommendations will be organized to identify the key partners that have the greatest opportunity to implement systemic change. Actions need to be taken at all levels of government as well as private and non-profit sectors.

“It is in the best interest of the region — from Metro to Lane County — to continue the excellent work of this current SMMP task force,” says Marion County Commissioner Kevin Cameron. “We will need regional efforts and collaboration to take advantage of local opportunities.”

State Representative Sarah Finger McDonald, who represents Benton County, submitted legislation that would create a solid waste task force in the Willamette Valley to continue this much-needed work. Under House Bill 3794, this new group would move ahead with the findings and recommendations of the current task force to submit a report to the Oregon Legislature in 2026.

Learn more about the regional SMMP Task Force at https://boc.bentoncountyor.gov/smmp-task-force/.

June 4, 2025 in News

Benton County Budget Committee approves 2025-27 biennium budget

The Benton County Budget Committee closed a week of budget hearings on May 30 by approving the proposed 2025-27 budget with just four amendments. Financial Services staff are preparing the approved budget document for a final public hearing on June 17 before the Board of Commissioners. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the BOC will consider any further changes and adopt the 2025-27 budget.

The Budget Committee met on May 27, 29 and 30 to consider proposed biennium budgets for the County, the Library Services County Service District, and the 911 Emergency Services County Service District. The Library Services and 911 Services budgets were approved on May 27 with no amendments.

County administration and department heads presented detailed budgets to the Committee for the County’s 15 offices and departments, answering Committee members’ questions as they were raised. Following the final presentation, the Committee deliberated and created four amendments to the proposed County budget:

  1. They established a $1 cost center within the General Fund – under Public Safety Operating Programs – to start saving for a new correctional facility. This action creates a new line item for a facility that is desperately needed to replace the inadequate County Jail.
  2. They funded the budget line to continue the Sheriff’s Office work crew. Work crew is a public safety operating program that offers an alternative to incarceration through community service.
  3. They increased the budget by $847,000 to support dedicated funds for the Behavioral Health Deflection program that was launched at the beginning of 2024. This program provides another alternative to incarceration specifically for people cited for drug possession.
  4. They opted to maintain the current 2023-25 rate (3%) for deferred compensation for management and unrepresented employees.

In total, the approved budget was increased from $539,427,492 to $540,274,492 due to the $847,000 increase for the Behavioral Health Deflection Program. All other amendments were accomplished without increasing the total cost of the budget. Allocations were created by decreasing contingencies in multiple other funds to levels that still prudently mitigate budget risk.

Proposed budget documents, department presentations and recordings of all Budget Committee meetings are available for public viewing online at finance.bentoncountyor.gov/events/benton-county-budget-hearing-2025.

The Board of Commissioners will conduct a final public hearing on June 17 to consider and adopt the budget. They can make changes to the approved budget before adopting, but if they exceed 10% change per fund, another public notice and hearing will be required. The adopted budget will take effect on July 1.

recycling sorting bins

June 2, 2025 in News

Benton County and Republic Services host webinar to explain upcoming recycling changes

Benton County and Republic Services are partnering to host a webinar about statewide changes to recycling guidelines and access set to take effect on July 1. Anyone can register through Zoom to watch the virtual presentation scheduled for Tuesday, June 10 from 6-7 p.m.

All community members are invited to participate and learn how Oregon’s recycling system is changing, why it is changing and what residents need to know to recycle right moving forward. Time will be provided for questions about the new recycling rules and how they are being implemented in Benton County.

The July 1 changes are results of Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) passed in 2021. The RMA aims to reduce plastic pollution, improve access to recycling and create more sustainable waste management practices across the state.

“With the RMA, Oregon is a leader in creating a more efficient, equitable and effective recycling system,” says Bailey Payne, solid waste program coordinator for the County. “Working together with Republic Services, we can reach more people through outreach and education, thereby increasing the impact of these changes.”

The RMA is intended to modernize the state’s recycling system and make it more robust. Key components include:

  • Incentives for producers to use more recyclable materials in packaging.
  • A single, statewide list of recyclable materials to reduce confusion and expand what can be recycled in many parts of the state.
  • Access to recycling in all communities, including multifamily housing units and rural areas.
  • New performance standards and accountability practices for recycling facilities.

Those who wish to view the webinar can register online. A recording of the webinar will be posted to Benton County’s YouTube channel.

May 29, 2025 in News

Benton County announces additional meetings in landfill expansion hearing

The Benton County Planning Division announces several additional dates for the continuation of the public hearing on LU-24-027, Republic Services’ proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill.

The initial timeline for the public hearing before the Planning Commission included three days for presentations and public testimony on April 29 and May 1 and 6. A fourth day was added on May 8 to accommodate the volume of public verbal testimony. At the conclusion of that meeting, the hearing was continued to June 17, which had initially been intended as the date for deliberations and a decision.

The following dates have now been set to continue the proceedings. This is the expected schedule; dates are subject to change as necessary with prior notice. With the exception of the June 17 date, meetings will take place at the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m. – virtual (Zoom)
Planning Commission meets to continue hearing to July 8.

Tuesday, June 24
Supplemental staff report issued. This report will include analysis of public testimony and supplemental material submitted by the applicant.

Thursday, July 3, 4 p.m.
Deadline to submit written testimony through online form and email (publiccomment@bentoncountyor.gov). Written evidence can still be submitted in person at the public hearing or at the Community Development office: 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis, second floor.

Tuesday, July 8, 6-9 p.m.
Public hearing before the Planning Commission continues with presentation of revised staff report and presentation of applicant update. If time permits, begin public verbal testimony on new evidence only. Attestants can submit written testimony on new evidence during the meeting.

Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m.
Continue public testimony if needed.

Tuesday, July 22, 6 p.m.
Deliberations by Planning Commission. Open to the public, but no public comment will be heard.

Tuesday, Jul 29, 6 p.m.
Meeting to adopt final written decision and findings.

The deadline to reach a decision on the application has been extended from August 11 to September 27. Republic Services requested and was granted a 47-day extension of the 150-day timeline. This is the second extension that has been granted.

According to Benton County Code, the timeline for making land use decisions is 150 days. Applicants are allowed to request up to 215 additional days for the process, for a total of 365 days. This can come as multiple requests throughout the process, each one changing the end date. Republic Services’ first extension request was granted in January, extending the time prior to the start of the public hearing by 58 days.

For more information and access to documents related to LU-24-027, visit bentoncountyor.gov/coffin-butte-landfill.

Entrance to Benton County's Kalapuya Building

May 19, 2025 in News

Benton County seeks volunteers for advisory boards and committees

Benton County government relies on more than a dozen citizen-led advisory boards and committees to help shape policies and make informed decisions. The Board of Commissioners invites community members to apply to fill current vacancies in five of the advisory groups.

Applicants will be interviewed by the Board of Commissioners, and those who are selected to serve will be appointed at a Board meeting in June.

Benefits of serving

Participating in an advisory body provides a unique opportunity for community members to actively contribute to decision making in Benton County. Advisory board and committee members represent the people, contributing expertise and objective insights that enhance the work of County elected officials and staff.

Serving in an advisory group is a great way to shape the future of the County, learn about local government, gain leadership experience and work with other highly engaged members of the community.

Who should apply

Benton County seeks applicants with diverse perspectives and lived experiences who can help local government support and serve all community members. Requirements for service include:

  • Residency: Live or own property in Benton County.
  • Expertise: Sometimes an interest in the committee’s work is all that’s needed. Other positions require relevant knowledge or experience.
  • Commitment: Attend regular meetings and actively engage in the decision-making process.

How to apply

Visit the Benton County website and complete the online application form. Questions can be directed to Maura Kwiatkowski at 541-766-6800 or maura.kwiatkowski@bentoncountyor.gov.

May 7, 2025 in News

Benton County extends public hearing on proposed landfill expansion

The Benton County Planning Commission has added a supplemental day to hear verbal public testimony on Republic Services’ application for the proposed expansion of the Coffin Butte Landfill. The public hearing was continued — that is, postponed to a future date — at 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, and will resume at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 in the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis.

The Public Hearing on LU-24-027 was originally scheduled for three days of presentations, reports and testimony in late April and early May, with a fourth meeting in June for Commissioners to discuss the application and come to a decision. After nearly three hours of verbal testimony on the third day, the Commission had heard from only half of the 78 community members who signed up to testify. After a brief discussion and motion, the Commissioners voted to add the additional meeting and resume two days later so all community voices can be heard.

Revised hearing schedule

Tuesday, April 29
The County Planning Division and consultants presented the staff report, then addressed questions from the Planning Commission. View the recording of Day 1.

Thursday, May 1
Republic Services presented the application, then addressed questions from the Planning Commission. View the recording of Day 2.

Tuesday, May 6
Members of the public delivered verbal testimony. Each person who signed up was allotted three minutes to speak; some opted to cede their time to another speaker to allow that person more time to deliver their prepared message. Testimony was delivered by or on behalf of 37 people. View the recording of Day 3.

Continuance, Thursday, May 8, 6 p.m. – complete
The Planning Commission will hear testimony by the remaining people on the verbal testimony roster. Registration for verbal testimony closed at 6 p.m. on May 6, so no additional attestants will be added. Following the conclusion of verbal testimony, representatives of Republic Services will have an opportunity to deliver a brief rebuttal. Register for virtual participation through Zoom.

Tuesday, June 17, 6 p.m. – complete
Deliberations and decision by the Planning Commission. Zoom registration

Attendees who need any physical or language accommodations should notify Benton County Community Development (permitcheck@bentoncountyor.gov) at least 72 hours in advance of the hearing.

Written testimony

Written testimony is still being accepted in four ways: online form, regular mail, email (publiccomment@bentoncountyor.gov) and hand delivery. Benton County Planning Division staff are posting compiled written testimony to the online Munidocs platform soon after it is received. The latest batch of comments includes those received through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6.

More information about the public hearing is available on the Coffin Butte Landfill webpage.

Leo Williamson from Oregon Department of Forestry talks about the wildland fire outlook for 2025

April 21, 2025 in News

Benton County proclaims May as Wildfire Awareness Month; hosts wildfire awareness roundtable

The Benton County Board of Commissioners is preparing for wildfire season with a wildfire awareness roundtable discussion on Tuesday, April 22. The meeting will begin at 9 a.m., with the discussion scheduled to start after two short items of business. The public is always welcome to attend BOC meetings in person or virtually.

The Board of Commissioners will dedicate most of their quarterly Information Sharing Meeting to the discussion including representatives of Benton County Emergency Operations, the Benton County Fire Defense Board, the Oregon State Fire Marshal and the Oregon Department of Forestry Representatives.

Topics of discussion will include the wildfire outlook, community preparedness, risks, highlights of department activities and the Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Following the discussion, Benton County Emergency Services Manager Bryan Lee will ask the Board to officially proclaim May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness Month in Benton County.

Community members can attend the meeting in person at the County’s Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis. Those who wish to watch online should visit the Board of Commissioners online meeting portal.

A full recording of the discussion will be posted to the meeting portal within 48 hours after the end of the meeting.

IMAGE: Leo Williamson of Oregon Department of Forestry talks about the wildland fire outlook for 2025.

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