The City of Corvallis recently announced adjustments to some services due to Covid-19 pandemic related staffing shortages.
According to the City Manager “these service modifications are intended to maintain the levels of service that the community expects, while following current public health guidelines to keep staff and the public safe.” The adjustments are temporary and will be lifted as soon as possible.
The impacted services are:
- Street sweeping – will be delayed.
- CTS Bus Service has reduced service on Routes 5, 6, 50, and Route 1 Peak PM.
- The customer service counter for the Planning Division and Housing & Neighborhood Services Division has reduced its daily hours to 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- The city services billing office will be closed to the public until January 31 for in-person payments and questions. Community members can make a payment online at www.corvallisoregon.gov/pay.
At the county level, Benton County announced they will be starting the annual vegetation control spraying in March. Benton County residents who do not want roadside spraying for control of vegetation and noxious weeds along their property lines along county roads must fill out forms and pay a $5 fee.
County to Begin Roadside Shoulder Spraying
It’s that time of year. Benton County Public works will begin its annual roadside shoulder spraying program beginning in late March along county roads.
Roads are sprayed 2-4 feet from the edge of the road to control encroachment of plant growth on the asphalt surface. Spraying of noxious weeds and roadside vegetation, including blackberries, is done throughout the year, and extends to the far side of any ditching, according to the county.
For homeowners who do not want chemical sprays adjacent to their property, a No-Spray Agreement may be entered into with the County. In a release from the county, residents who choose to opt out of the program need fill out a Vegetation Control Permit and a Vegetation Control Liability Release form with the County each year.
Those who enter into an agreement with the county will be given No-Spray signs which will need to be posted on their property by March 15. There is a $5 annual fee to participate in the program. Agreements and payment must be submitted to the county by March 1.
Residents can also request a modified spray program; for example: spraying for noxious weeds but not roadside grasses, contact the Public Works Department at 541-766-6821.
By Stacey Newman Weldon & Jennifer Williams
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