Law Enforcement Funding: The Benton County Board of Commissioners set the total bond amount for the Justice System Improvement Program bond measure at $110 million, which is $4 million less than the total cost of facilities for the project.
At a work session on Tuesday, Jan 10, the commission will look at ways to fund the difference of the bond amount and the total project amount, as well as funding options if the bond measure does fail.
In a release from the county, phase I of the program is fully funded and includes the new courthouse and District Attorney’s office. It will be funded with County borrowing and a 50% state matching grant for the courthouse. Phase II facilities include those that will be included in the bond to go before voters in May – these include both a new jail and sheriff’s office.
Commissioners and county staff are looking at additional funding options including requesting funding from the Oregon State Legislature for the Emergency Operations Center. If that is not successful, the County may need to consider reprioritization of other planned budget programs or services. The Board will continue conversations around additional funding options at the work session on Tuesday, Jan. 10.
Know Your City: The League of Women Voters has partnered with the City of Corvallis to host an informational session at 7 p.m., Mon., Jan 23. The session is called ‘Know Your City’ and will focus on how to access and engage city resources.
Public Information Officer Patrick Rollens will present ways to find information on the city website and how to engage with the city council on agenda topics.
It will take place at the Corvallis Community Center, 2601 NW Tyler Ave. The session will also be available on Zoom for virtual attendance. More information is available online.
Arrest After Thornberry Death: Serrano Patrick, 24, has been arrested in the death of community leader Andrea Thornberry. Chargers include second-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence of intoxicants, and reckless driving.
Thornberry’s efforts included work for the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, Rotary Club, Ashbrook Independent School and the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis. She also did a 12 year stint as executive director for Heartland Humane Society. In 2014, The Advocate named her one of Corvallis’ Most Impactful People for her work at Heartland.
Thornberry was killed in a Highway 20 collision on Sunday, Dec. 18. Patrick’s vehicle headed the opposite direction entered her side of the road. Thornberry, age 47, died at the scene.
By: Jennifer Williams
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