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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County and AFSCME 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.”

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. 

El Condado de Benton y el sindicato AFSCME llegan a un acuerdo sobre un nuevo contrato  

CORVALLIS, Ore. – El Condado de Benton y el sindicato local 2064 de AFSCME 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". 

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. 

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CORVALLIS, Ore. - 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.

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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” 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. 

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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:
  • Road closures and high-water signs will be placed in impacted areas.
  • Do not drive around road closure barricades.
• CDC Warning:
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the risks associated with flood-related incidents.
  • Over half of flood-related drownings occur when vehicles are driven into hazardous floodwaters.
  • The second-highest percentage of flood-related deaths is attributed to walking into or near floodwaters.
• 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:

• Willamette River Levels: NW River Forecast Center
• Marys River Levels: NW River Forecast Center

Additional Resources:

• Know Your Flood Hazards
• Turn Around, Don’t Drown

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:
  • Los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC) identifican los riesgos asociados con incidentes relacionados con inundaciones.
  • Más de la mitad de los ahogamientos relacionados con inundaciones ocurren cuando los vehículos son conducidos hacia aguas peligrosas.
  • El segundo porcentaje más alto de muertes relacionadas con inundaciones se atribuye a caminar hacia o cerca de las aguas de inundaciones.
• 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:

• Niveles de agua para el río Willamette: NW River Forecast Center
• Niveles de agua para el río Marys: NW River Forecast Center

Recursos Adicionales:

• Conozca sus riesgos de inundación
• Video: Dese la vuelta, no se ahogue

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. 

CORVALLIS, Ore. – 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.

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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.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Negotiations continued yesterday 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 noon. 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. 

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.

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Property taxes for Benton County residents are due by Friday, Nov. 15, 2024. In-person service hours are limited this week while many County workers are on strike, so those who plan to pay in person should go to the Kalapuya building at 4500 SW Research Way in Corvallis between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In addition to making payments in person, there are five other ways to pay property taxes: 

1. Use the tax payment drop box in the parking lot of the Kalapuya Building at 4500 SW Research Way – open 24 hours a day.
2. Pay online at finance.bentoncountyor.gov/pay-your-property-taxes.
3. Call 1-866-898-2918 to pay by phone.
4. Mail payment to the Benton County Tax Office, P.O. Box 964, Corvallis, Oregon, 97339. Payments must be postmarked by Nov. 15, 2024.
5. Make payments at Oregon State Credit Union branches within Benton County or at the Umpqua Bank in Monroe. Please make sure to bring your payment coupons.

Property owners who pay their taxes in full by Nov. 15 will receive a 3% discount. Alternatively, taxpayers have the option to spread their payments over three equal installments. The first installment is payable on Nov. 15, with subsequent payments due Feb. 15 and May 15, 2025.

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.

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. 

CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County management and representatives of AFSCME Local 2064 will meet on Nov. 7, 2024, for the 18^th day of collective bargaining for a contract for union employees. In 140 hours of negotiation to date, the county has brought multiple wage proposals to the bargaining table, adding money to each one. 

The current proposal has a cost of about $45 million for total wages and benefits in the first year of the contract, $50.4 million in the second year, and $53.5 million in the third year – about $147 million total. The current cost of wages and benefits is about $42.4 million per year.

When the two parties last met on Nov. 1, the county management team presented two options to the AFSCME negotiation team. Updated salary tables for all pay grades were provided so employees can see what their actual salaries would be in each year of the contract under these two proposals. The first pay increase would be implemented upon ratification of the contract. 

Option A is the Last Best Offer submitted to the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB) on Oct. 7, 2024, after the union declared impasse. It includes:

• Annual cost-of-living increases for all AFSCME employees equal to either a set percentage or the Employment Cost Index (ECI), whichever is greater.
• For C-band employees: an additional 6% increase upon contract ratification to raise wages to or close to market rates for these job classifications.
• An additional step (step 9) added to the salary schedule to create room for future wage growth for employees already on the top step of their pay grade.

Option B is a variation that allows for even more future wage growth. It includes:

• Annual cost-of-living increases for all represented employees equal to either a set percentage or the Employment Cost Index (ECI), whichever is greater.
• For C-band employees: an additional 5% increase upon contract ratification to raise wages closer to market rates for these job classifications.
• Three additional steps (steps 9, 10 and 11) in salary schedules to adjust the overall pay grade ranges to align with management/confidential (non-represented) employee pay grade ranges.

A document titled Article 13.2 - Wage Proposal includes job classifications to show how a representative sample of employees would be impacted by both proposals. 

Benton County remains committed to settling the contract. If resolution is not reached on Nov. 7, the two parties will meet again Nov. 12. The County management team looks forward to continuing working toward resolution. 

Steps Toward Pay Equity

Benton County is committed to the Oregon Pay Equity Law. As part of the county’s fulfillment of this, a pay equity analysis was performed for all employees. One-hundred-fifty employee salaries were found to be inequitable, and those employees received wage increases in March 2024. About two-thirds of the adjustments (102 total) were to union-represented employee salaries, including 86 AFSCME employees; the remaining one-third (48 total) were non-represented employees.

Fewer than half of the county’s non-represented employees received wage increases as a result of the pay equity analysis. Of those who did, a relatively small number received larger-than-usual pay raises. Over the last 3 years, management positions were hard to fill, and several managers were hired at rates above managers in the same classification with more experience and/or education. The understanding was that these inequities would be resolved through the next pay equity analysis. In addition, two managers had their classification corrected to reflect recommendations made by a compensation consultant.

Prior to the pay equity analysis, a market equity analysis was conducted for 113 non-represented employees. Between 2015 and 2021, non-represented employees did not receive annual cost of living increases. In 2023 the salary schedules were adjusted for the cost of living, but employees’ salaries were not adjusted. Employees were assigned to the step of the new salary tables that was closest to their current salary, effective Jan. 1, 2024. In some cases, this resulted in a slight pay increase. The only employees who saw significant increases during this action were the Sheriff’s Office management.

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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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. 

The full application can be viewed online. For detailed information on the Conditional Use Permit process, please refer to the Land Use Application Process flow chart. 

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.

Benton CHRO Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool

* Español a continuación *

CORVALLIS, ORE.—Fourteen (14) households (individuals or families) have moved into housing through the Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool (FHSP) since its inception in July 2024. 

The FHSP funds, locates, and secures housing with wraparound supports for people experiencing homelessness with the ultimate goal of reducing the frequency and duration of homelessness. Key components of the project include: 

• Housing navigation
• Intensive case management
• Street outreach
• Rent assistance and move in supports
• Property managers/owners engagement and recruitment

What makes the FHSP unique in Benton County is that it brings property managers and owners to the table as key partners in Benton County’s response to homelessness. The FHSP does this through outreach, education, and recruitment of property owners and managers; innovative lease and contract agreements to incentivize property owners/managers participation; and conflict resolution between tenants and property owners/managers aimed at preventing eviction. 

“The success of this program relies on strong relationships with property owners and managers and our network of local homeless service providers,” said Rebecca Taylor, Project Manager for the Benton County Coordinated Homeless Response Office (CHRO). 

Street outreach teams and service providers from Benton County Health Department and community-based organizations identify participants eligible for FHSP services and work with the CHRO to ensure successful housing placements. 

“It’s not just a referral to our program and then we take it from there. We are in ongoing coordination with the referring support agencies and the property managers and owners to ensure successful housing placements. We couldn’t do this without our partners,” Taylor said. 

The FHSP is part of a state-funded pilot program led by the CHRO, a partnership including the City of Corvallis, City of Philomath, Community Services Consortium (CSC), and the Benton County Health Department. 

In July 2023, the CHRO was awarded $1.2 million through House Bill 5019 with a goal of achieving long-term housing stability for 31 households by June 30, 2025. An additional $975,000 was awarded through Oregon Senate Bill 5701 as part of the Oregon Rehousing Initiative (ORI) which increased the goal by twenty (20), for a total of 51 households. 

The CHRO continues to seek additional funding sources to develop programming and support staffing while maintaining as much flexible funding as possible to serve households in need. 

Recently, the CHRO successfully competed for two (2) one-time funding opportunities through InterCommunity Health Network – Coordinated Care Organization (IHN-CCO): 

• $112,910 in Community Capacity Building Funds (CCBF) to establish pathways to connect FHSP program participants with Medicaid waiver Health-Related Social Needs benefits, in coordination with the Community Health Centers of Benton and Linn Counties.
• $123,300 in Delivery System Transformation (DST) funds to support the development and implementation of a landlord engagement and incentive program, an integral component of the FHSP.

“We’re grateful for the funding we’ve received from our state and local partners to help sustain this work,” said April Holland, Director of the Benton County Health Department. 

“We also know that so much more systemic change is needed to ensure everyone in Benton County has an opportunity to live in decent, safe, and affordable housing,” Holland said. 

For more information on Benton County’s Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool program, visit their website at health.bentoncountyor.gov/fhsp.  

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.

14 hogares realojados por medio del Fondo de Ayuda de Vivienda Flexible del Condado de Benton 

CORVALLIS, ORE.—Catorce (14) hogares (individuos o familias) se han mudado a viviendas a por medio del Fondo de Ayuda de Vivienda Flexible (FHSP, por sus siglas en inglés) desde el inicio del programa en julio de 2024. 

El programa de FHSP financia, ubica y asegura viviendas con apoyos integrales para personas sin hogar con el objetivo final de reducir la frecuencia y la duración de la falta de vivienda. Los componentes clave del proyecto incluyen: 

• Navegación de vivienda
• Administración intensiva de casos
• Alcance a la comunidad
• Asistencia para pagar la renta y apoyo para la mudanza
• Participación y reclutamiento de administradores/dueños de propiedades

Lo que hace que al programa de FHSP único en el Condado de Benton es que reúne a los administradores y dueños de propiedades como socios clave en responder a la falta de vivienda en el Condado de Benton. El programa de FHSP hace esto por medio de conexiones a la comunidad, la educación y el reclutamiento de dueños y administradores de propiedades; contratos de renta y acuerdos innovadores para motivar la participación de los dueños/administradores de propiedades; y la resolución de conflictos entre inquilinos y dueños/administradores de propiedades con el objetivo de prevenir el desalojo. 

“El éxito de este programa depende de las relaciones sólidas con los dueños y administradores de propiedades y nuestra red de proveedores de servicios locales para personas sin hogar”, dijo Rebecca Taylor, Gerente de Proyectos de la Oficina de Respuesta Coordinada para Personas sin Hogar del Condado de Benton (CHRO por sus siglas en inglés). 

Los equipos de alcance a la comunidad y los proveedores de servicios del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton y las organizaciones comunitarias identifican a los participantes que son elegibles para los servicios del programa de FHSP y trabajan con la CHRO para garantizar la colocación exitosa de las viviendas. 

“No se trata solo de un referido a nuestro programa y luego nos encargamos de todo. Estamos en constante coordinación con las agencias de apoyo que refieren a nuestro programa y los administradores y dueños de propiedades para garantizar la colocación exitosa de las viviendas. No podríamos hacer esto sin nuestros socios”, dijo Taylor. 

El programa de FHSP es parte de un programa piloto financiado por el estado dirigido por el CHRO, una asociación que incluye a la Ciudad de Corvallis, la ciudad de Philomath, el Consorcio de Servicios Comunitarios (CSC) y el Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton. 

En julio de 2023, el CHRO recibió $1.2 millones a través del Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara de Representantes 5019 con el objetivo de lograr estabilidad de vivienda a largo plazo para 31 hogares antes del 30 de junio de 2025. Además, se dieron $975,000 adicionales a través del Proyecto de Ley del Senado de Oregón 5701 como parte de la Iniciativa de Reubicación de Oregón (ORI), que aumentó la meta en veinte (20), para un total de 51 hogares. 

El CHRO continúa buscando fuentes de financiamiento adicionales para desarrollar la programación y el personal de apoyo, al mismo tiempo que mantiene la mayor cantidad posible de financiamiento flexible para atender a los hogares necesitados. 

Recientemente, el CHRO compitió con éxito por dos (2) oportunidades únicas para obtener fondos a través de InterCommunity Health Network – Coordinated Care Organization (IHN-CCO): 

• $112,910 en Fondos para el Desarrollo de Capacidades Comunitarias (CCBF) para establecer vías para conectar a los participantes del programa FHSP con los beneficios de Necesidades Sociales Relacionadas con la Salud de la exención de Medicaid, en coordinación con los Centros de Salud Comunitarios de los Condados de Benton y Linn.
• $123,300 en fondos para la Transformación del Sistema de Entrega (DST) para apoyar el desarrollo e implementación de un programa de participación e incentivos para propietarios, un componente integral del FHSP.

“Estamos agradecidos por el financiamiento que hemos recibido de nuestros socios estatales y locales para ayudar a sostener este trabajo”, dijo April Holland, Directora del Departamento de Salud del Condado de Benton. 

“También sabemos que se necesita mucho más un cambio sistemático para garantizar que todos en el Condado de Benton tengan la oportunidad de vivir en casas decentes, seguras y accesibles”, dijo Holland. 

Para obtener más información sobre el programa de Ayuda de Vivienda Flexible del Condado de Benton, visite su sitio web en health.bentoncountyor.gov/fhsp. 

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.

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