JSIP Final Decisions: The Benton County Board of Commissioners are wrapping up final decisions for the Justice System Improvement Program (JSIP) ahead of the ballot measure that will go before voters in May.
At the Feb. 21 meeting, commissioners voted to approve the final verbiage for the JSIP bond measure and the explanatory statement for the final project. The County has now submitted the bond measure to the Oregon Secretary of State to ensure compliance with ORS 260.432.
State statute, ORS 260.432 relates to a campaign finance regulation for public employees. Once the state approves the final wording of the measure the next step will be a vote of the public.
During this process, the county has removed several items from its informational page for the project while they are under review. According to Project Manager Nick Kurth once each item is approved, they will be back on the website.
The final bond amount of $110 million was approved by commissioners in Jan. Kurth gave an update to commissioners at the Feb. 21 meeting and stated that staff for the project will host a few more community outreach events prior to voting.
On Feb. 8, the county hosted an open house for the project that had over 200 community members in attendance.
“The open house included displays and information for community members to learn more about the Justice System Improvement Program master plan, the new Benton County Crisis Center, the new Benton County Courthouse and District Attorney’s office, financial stewardship for the project, a potential new correctional facility with sheriff’s office and emergency operations center, and expanded homeless and mental health services,” said Kurth.
You can view and download the community open house video footage here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z47kO80aizw
Community Meeting: Corvallis City Council members Laurie Chaplen (Ward 6) and Tony Cadena (Ward 9) are hosting a joint community meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
In attendance to answer questions from community members will be, City Manager Mark Shepard, Police Chief Jason Harvey, Fire Chief Ben Janes, and Public Works Director Jeff Blaine.
In a release from the city, the meeting will focus on city service fee increases but they will also have time for questions on other topics.
It will start at 5:30 pm at the Osborn Aquatic Center Conference Room. For those unable to attend, it will also be available over zoom:
https://zoom.us/j/99045987893?pwd=QjlqSXlrM1kzdmxPSUE1SGtRQzJsdz09
If you have any questions, please email either: Laurie Chaplen: laurie.chaplen@corvallisoregon.gov or Tony Cadena: tony.cadena@corvallisoregon.gov
By: Jennifer Williams
