District Attorney’s Office and Courthouse: The Benton County Board of Commissioners will be reexamining their plans to co-locate the District Attorney’s Office and Courthouse at their July 5 meeting. What is being looked at is the portion of the Justice System Improvement Plan that was ostensibly already funded.
However, according to a memo to the commission from Gary Stockhoff, with Benton County Public Works, the project has run into a combination of construction delays and new requirements from the state, so the construction estimates have been updated.
“This estimate results in a shortage of current committed resources of approximately $4.2 million of which the county portion represents $3.3 million, and the state is $900K. The state has suggested that it can identify and commit the resources needed for their portion, however, the county does not have the additional $3.3 million,” said Stockhoff.
According to Stockhoff, Benton County staff will be proposing three options for the commission to look at.
Option 1: Preferred by county staff, this option would continue the current plan to co-locate the courthouse and district attorney’s office.
“To bring current sources and uses in balance, OJD [Oregon Judicial Department] would need to reduce what it has suggested is needed by 6,000 square feet. This would bring the courthouse to 31,500 square feet. The district attorney’s office has already made their concessions over the last several months to contribute to bringing the cost down. This represents a reduction of 4,182 square foot from the original proposed square footage for the courthouse. Through this option, there would be sufficient resources for the County and surplus resources from the state.”
However, Stockhoff goes on to say this option “Doesn’t meet what state has described as necessary to meet their needs.” This could be problematic, given the state is contributing $31.2 million of the funding.
Option 2: This would separate the district attorney’s office from the project plan. The Stockhoff memo says “This option would change the current project plan to construct only a new courthouse on the existing site and create an alternative project for the district attorney’s office in a separate location with resources that remain after the county covers its share of the courthouse cost. This option would provide the OJD with the 37,500 square foot of their suggested need and up to $7.5 million of county resources to support meeting the needs of the district attorney in an alternative location. The final amount available to the DA is dependent upon final costs for the courthouse. However, it will increase the amount of additional resources the state will need to commit to a total of approximately $2.5 million.”
Option 3: This would pull the county resources from the project. The only argument in favor, according to the memo, is the county would be free to look at other options. County staff also points out the $31.2 million in state matching funds would be lost. This option would also mean the county has taken land through an eminent domain proceeding, but then wouldn’t have a plan for it, and that county staff would still be working in inadequate facilities.
It may be that no solid choice can be made until further negotiations with the Oregon Department of Justice. We’ll keep you posted.
For more information and the full agenda for the upcoming meeting visit https://www.co.benton.or.us/sites/default/files/fileattachments/board_of_commissioners_office/meeting/8434/230705_packet.pdf
Plan Forming for Another Try at Jail Funding: Also on the July 5 agenda, a specific proposal and timeline being floated to the Benton County Board of Commissioners as they seek to possibly revamp and reintroduce the Justice System Improvement Program to voters.
The idea is to go before Benton County’s electorate to gather information and analyze voter sentiments leading to the defeat of Bond Measure 2-140 which was on the May ballot.
“While the election is still top of mind, conducting an assessment to understand the reasons behind the election loss and public sentiment will be gathered. The use of qualitative survey data, focus groups, and compilations of individual comments in emails and on social media will all provide insights into the concerns, objections, and aspirations of the community,” said Suzanne Hoffman, Interim County Administrator. “Additionally, consistent and clear communications about the County’s commitment to JSIP are essential.”
If approved, these would be the next steps for Benton County over the coming months.
July 2023
- Finalize survey. A qualitative survey will be designed to gauge public sentiment, including concerns and objections about Measure 2-140. Utilize local volunteers with expertise.
- Compile feedback received on County social media channels and via email. Feedback will be compiled and tagged with themes.
- Distribute qualitative survey in mid-July. Share the survey through all available channels and engage with specific groups to encourage participation from diverse perspectives.
- Identify potential Focus Group participants. Work with the Board of Commissioners and County leaders to identify potential Focus Group participants inclusive of underrepresented groups and those with opposing viewpoints. One focus group will include current County staff.
August – September 2023
- Schedule Focus Group meetings
- Facilitate seven Focus Group sessions, with five to seven participants each. Train community volunteers to lead the sessions following a consistent format.
- Close survey. Compile and analyze survey responses; utilize local volunteers with expertise if possible.
September – October 2023
- Focus Group sessions completed.
- Analysis and synthesis of Focus Group results
- Summary Report compiled and shared with the Board of Commissioners
- For more information and updates on the project, visit https://bentoncountyjustice.org/
The defeat of Measure 2-140 marked the fourth time Benton County’s voters said no to a new correctional facility.
By Jennifer Warner
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