Benton County liaison says April 7 commissioners meeting will consider RFQ and public engagement for historic courthouse reuse David Shepherd, a county commissioner and liaison to the Historic Resources Commission, told the HRC that the Board of Commissioners will discuss the courthouse preservation committee’s charge on April 7 and that the county plans to issue an RFQ to hire a contractor to lead public engagement on reuse options.

Benton County is gearing up for a pivotal discussion on April 7 that could shape the future of the historic courthouse, with plans for community engagement to explore innovative reuse options.

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#BentonCounty #OR #CommunityEngagement #PublicInput

Questions raised about jail costs, sheriffudget and armored vehicle funding in Benton County hearing Supervisors and residents pressed for details on juvenile detention bills, jail medical costs, federal inmate revenue and a $250,000 armored vehicle funded by ARPA; officials said hiring a full-time jail nurse and pursuing inmate collections could reduce costs.

Benton County officials are grappling with staggering public safety costs, including a shocking $170,000 bill for a single juvenile's care and a new $250,000 armored vehicle funded by federal dollars.

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#BentonCounty #IA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #MedicalCosts

Benton County supervisors outline why taxes can rise even as county levy falls Supervisors explained that rising assessed values and state assessment rules, not just the county levy, drive taxpayers’ bills; they described how rollback rules, homestead exemptions and state transfers of responsibilities affect local budgets and set a public hearing on published levies.

Benton County officials reveal how rising property assessments can lead to higher tax bills, even as the county's levy decreases—discover the surprising factors at play!

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#BentonCounty #IA #CommunityBudgeting #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #BentonCountyTaxes #TaxationPolicy

Benton County approves multiple budget adjustments and authorizes remote meetings amid COVID‑19 The Benton County Commission on April 20 approved a series of budget resolutions—covering sheriff revenues, insurance recoveries, coroner expenses and other adjustments—and adopted a resolution authorizing electronic participation in county meetings under the governor's executive order related to COVID‑19.

Benton County is adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic with new budget adjustments and a resolution for remote participation in meetings!

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#BentonCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #PublicHealth #RemoteParticipation #BentonCountyCommission #BudgetTransparency

Benton County commission approves multiple budget moves, appointments and extends remote meeting authority At its April 19, 2021 meeting, the Benton County Commission approved a series of budget transfers, appropriations, board appointments and the extension of electronic meeting participation under Tennessee's Executive Order 78. Several school and sheriff budget items and an airport fuel appropriation also passed.

Benton County Commission made significant strides in budget adjustments and remote participation to enhance community safety and efficiency amid ongoing challenges.

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#BentonCounty #TN #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #RemoteParticipation #BentonCountyGovernance #BudgetTransparency

Benton County approves wide package of budget amendments, grants and policy changes At its May 18, 2020 meeting in Camden, the Benton County Commission approved multiple budget amendments and grant allocations, adopted an electronic-meeting resolution tied to the governor’s executive order, and passed procedural and fiscal measures including the 3-Star fiscal policy and several smaller appropriations.

Benton County commissioners just approved a sweeping package of budget amendments and grants that could reshape local services and safety!

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#BentonCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety #BentonCountySchools #FiscalResponsibility

Broadband provider seeks county pandemic funds as it outlines $8.25 million local investment TEC told the Benton County Commission it built service to about 300 locations in 2020 and plans 87 miles of new fiber to reach roughly 1,200 more locations in Q3 2021, asking the county to earmark pandemic-relief funds for local broadband infrastructure.

TEC is set to invest over $8.25 million in Benton County to expand broadband access, aiming to connect 1,200 more locations—will the county step up with pandemic-relief funds?

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#BentonCounty #TN #BroadbandAccess #DigitalDivide #LocalGovAI #InfrastructureInvestment

Benton County Commission fills 3rd District seat, approves ARPA spending, opioid plan and multiple budget items At its Nov. 15, 2021 meeting the Benton County Board of Commissioners elected Brett Burke to a 3rd District vacancy and approved a slate of resolutions including joining the state opioid abatement agreement, budgeting $1.57 million in ARPA funds, and multiple grant appropriations and board appointments.

Benton County's recent commission meeting brought major changes, including the election of Brett Burke and the approval of $1.57 million in ARPA funds to combat pressing local issues.

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#BentonCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #CommunityDevelopment #PublicSafety

Benton County adopts FY 2019–2020 budget and fixes tax levy at $2.95 The Benton County Commission approved its fiscal 2019–2020 budget and set the county tax levy at $2.95. The budget passed on a roll-call vote; commissioners also approved a slate of related resolutions including nonprofit contributions and committee formation for resale of delinquent-tax land.

Benton County has officially set its tax levy at $2.95 for the upcoming fiscal year, ensuring stability while also approving significant nonprofit contributions!

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#BentonCounty #TN #NonprofitSupport #CitizenPortal #LocalBudgeting #BentonCountyTennessee #FiscalTransparency

Benton County Commission approves $12.50 court surcharges and a package of budget amendments On Dec. 15, 2025 the Benton County Commission approved two $12.50 court-cost surcharges to fund supplemental support for the district attorney and public defender and adopted multiple budget amendments, grants and equipment purchases; a separate motion to buy commission voting software failed.

Benton County just approved new court surcharges to boost funding for legal services, alongside a series of significant budget amendments aimed at enhancing community support and safety!

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#BentonCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #CriminalJusticeFunding #BentonCountyCourtCosts

Benton County asks Tennessee Legislature to return half of real estate transfer tax to counties At its Nov. 18 meeting the Benton County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution asking the 114th Tennessee General Assembly to allocate half of the $0.37-per-$100 real estate transfer tax to the county where it is collected, arguing local budgets are strained and that sharing the revenue would reduce pressure on property taxes.

Benton County officials are pushing for a groundbreaking change that could return half of the real estate transfer tax back to local communities, easing property tax burdens and boosting essential services.

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#BentonCounty #TN #LocalRevenueSharing #CitizenPortal #BentonCountyTaxes

Benton County commissioners approve broad slate of resolutions, withdraw one after failed tabling motion At their Jan. 22 meeting, Benton County Commissioners approved numerous budget and administrative resolutions, including a lobbying resolution about TVA allocations and appropriations for mental‑health invoices; one wage‑related resolution was withdrawn after a failed motion to table.

Benton County Commissioners made significant strides in their latest meeting, approving a flurry of resolutions while one contentious motion sparked debate and withdrawal.

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#BentonCounty #TN #CivicParticipation #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #BentonCountyCommissioners

Benton County commission rejects proposed FY2021–22 appropriation; tax-levy resolution bypassed The Benton County Board of Commissioners voted down the proposed fiscal year 2021–22 appropriations resolution on June 21, 2021, leaving the county without the suggested budget and prompting the commission to bypass related tax-levy and nonprofit appropriation items.

The Benton County Board of Commissioners shocked residents by rejecting the crucial fiscal year 2021–22 budget, leaving key funding for schools and public projects in limbo.

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#BentonCounty #TN #CommunityBudgeting #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #BentonCountyBudget

Benton County mayor details broadband awards, an Asian carp grant and park and market projects Mayor Brett Lashlee told commissioners that Benton County won a $125,000 TWRA grant for Asian carp processing, received two broadband awards (a $1.1M state award to TEC and a USDA award estimated at $2–4M to be installed by Ardmore Telephone Company), and is pursuing tourism and farmers market projects; CARES Act funds and a jail camera bid were also discussed.

Benton County is set to transform its economy with over $4 million in grants for broadband and a new $125,000 facility upgrade for Asian carp processing, alongside exciting community projects like a Patsy Cline Memorial Park amphitheater!

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#BentonCounty #TN #TourismProjects

Benton County commissioners approve budget moves, appointments and back U.S. 641 expansion At its Aug. 16, 2021 meeting, the Benton County Commission unanimously approved multiple budget adjustments —including $15,981.45 for election office security upgrades—appointed Kristin Bell Baugus to the Civil Service Board and passed a resolution supporting expansion of U.S. Highway 641.

Benton County commissioners have made significant budget moves, including funding for election office security upgrades and backing the expansion of U.S. Highway 641 to boost regional growth.

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#BentonCounty #TN #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #ElectionSecurity

Benton County commission approves series of resolutions, re-appropriates courthouse and project funds At their July 16, 2018 meeting, the Benton County Commissioners approved a package of resolutions including appointments, grant re-appropriations for the Benton-Decatur Sewer Project, courthouse roof funding, and smaller appropriations for inmate storage and the Senior Citizens office; commissioners also approved a $7,000 grant to a Tennessee homeless-services center after an initial failed vote and reconsideration.

Benton County Commissioners made significant strides in their latest meeting, from appointing new board members to navigating a controversial grant for homeless services that flipped from failure to approval.

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#BentonCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #CommunityImprovement

Great River Energy describes easement, construction timelines for Northland Reliability project Great River Energy officials told Benton County commissioners the 180-mile Northland Reliability transmission project is moving into phase 2 design and easement acquisition, with construction and preconstruction activities starting in Benton County this year and continuing through 2028; about 85% of Benton County landowners participated in the company's initial easement option program, the company said.

Great River Energy is ramping up construction on the Northland Reliability Project, bringing significant changes and increased activity to Benton County this summer!

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#BentonCounty #MN #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #LandRights #InfrastructureDevelopment #BentonCountyEnergy

Benton County backs joining airport levy-limit study group and appoints county representative After debate over governance and levy authority at the Sinclair regional airport, the board voted to appoint a county representative to a study group to pursue a levy-limit proposal and to participate in interjurisdictional talks about governance and services.

Benton County takes a bold step by joining a study group to tackle critical issues surrounding the Sinclair regional airport's governance and service costs!

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#BentonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #InterjurisdictionalCollaboration #PublicServicesCosts #GovernanceReform

Great River Energy updates Benton County on Northland Reliability transmission work, easement outreach Great River Energy told the county board construction on the first phase of the Northland Reliability transmission project has started, easement outreach in Benton County reached 85% participation in an option-for-easement phase, and 60% design milestones will trigger easement exhibits, permitting and preconstruction activity that may include clearing and lane closures.

Great River Energy is making strides on the Northland Reliability project, with 85% of Benton County landowners already on board as construction kicks off!

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#BentonCounty #MN #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal #EnergyReliability #BentonCountyTransmission

Benton County officials warn of heavy county workload and unclear definitions under new state child-welfare law Human services staff told commissioners the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, but key definitions, data requirements and training materials are unresolved; staff warned counties face added case-review duties, documentation burdens and likely litigation and funding shortfalls.

Benton County officials are sounding the alarm about the heavy workload and unclear definitions under a new child-welfare law that could reshape family services by 2027.

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#BentonCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #FamilyPreservation #CulturalCompetency #ChildWelfare

Benton County staff outline major hurdles to implementing Minnesota's Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act Human Services staff told the board that the Minnesota African American Family Preservation and Child Welfare Disproportionality Act (effective Jan. 1, 2027) lacks key definitions and statewide systems, will require intensive "active efforts" that greatly increase worker time, and currently has minimal county-directed funding and uncertain technology support.

Minnesota's new Family Preservation Act faces significant challenges, from unclear definitions to increased workloads and limited funding—are counties ready for the impact?

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#BentonCounty #MN #BentonCountyHumanServices #ChildWelfareReform #CitizenPortal #FundingChallenges

In the wake of corruption investigations, Port of Benton Commissioners may be ousted “I am in disbelief at your continued willful disregard of the law, the truth, and more importantly, your public duty as a public servant.” —Judge Pratt

In the wake of corruption investigations, Port of Benton Commissioners may be ousted

By Dori Luzzo Gilmour

Narrated by @justin.fife

tumbleweird.org/investigations-port-commissioners/

#tricitieswa #PortofBenton #GovernmentCorruption #accountability #richlandwa #bentoncounty #localgovernment

1522: Stephen Stokes Stephen Stokes is a former County Commissioner of Benton County, Tennessee. He was also a teacher. He continued to serve as commissioner until his sentencing despite calls for his removal for absen…

1522: #StephenStokes is a former County Commissioner of #BentonCounty, #Tennessee He continued to serve as commissioner until his sentencing despite calls for his removal for absenteeism even before he was arrested for sexual battery of a minor in June 2025 goppredators.wordpress.com/2026/02/24/1...

The image shows a black and white photograph of the "Square Deal Farm" sign, with James M. Herron identified as the proprietor in charge of general farming activities on behalf of his family or estate. The backdrop features an old-fashioned rural farm setting, including weathered wooden fences, dilapidated barns, and various agricultural equipment such as a plow and wagon wheel resting against one building's wall. This photograph is part of Dorothea Lange’s work captured during her tenure with the Farm Security Administration (FSA), documenting American society in times of crisis—specifically agriculture life on U.S. 99 in Benton County, Oregon within the Willamette Valley region. The image conveys a sense of historical rural living and agricultural heritage from mid-20th century America.

Note on changing rurual life. On U.S. 99. Benton County, Oregon, Williamette Valley

#BentonCounty #Oregon #WilliametteValley #the"SquareDealFarm #JamesMHerron #DorotheaLange’s #American #WillametteValley #America #undefined #photography #DorotheaLange

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2017773004/

The image is a black and white photograph depicting an old farm scene. In the foreground, there's a large wooden fence with worn boards suggesting significant age and weathering. The wood appears to be split horizontally into parallel slats forming the gate of what seems like a corral or enclosure. Within this space stands a piece of farming equipment, likely a plow or some form of agricultural machinery. Behind the fence is an expansive field that extends towards a rustic farm structure with gabled roofing and weathered walls indicative of considerable age. To one side, there's another building possibly used for storage or as part of the farmhouse complex. The architecture suggests rural American farmland from several decades past. Dominating the left-hand portion of the image is an old-fashioned sign on two vertical posts reading 'SQUARE DEAL FARM' with additional details including names and titles such as "James M. Herron, Prop.", and "General Farmer", implying a sense of pride in farming heritage or business nature. The text appears faded yet legible. The sky above the farm is clear without any visible clouds, indicating fair weather conditions at the time this photo was taken. There are no people present in the image, giving it an abandoned look that might suggest early morning hours before work begins on such a rural property. There's also a handwritten annotati [...]

Untitled photo, possibly related to: Note on changing rurual life. On U.S. 99. Benton County, Oregon, Williamette Valley

#BentonCounty #Oregon #WilliametteValley #American #JamesMHerron #Farmer #DorotheaLange #America #DorotheaLanges #undefined […]

[Original post on mastodon.ozioso.online]

#Oregon #BentonCounty #Corvallis #NoKings

Benton County board agrees to pursue parcel split and blight study to enable nonprofit clinic The county signaled unanimous support to pursue three initial steps — a parcel split survey, an Initiative Foundation blight-study grant application, and a draft resolution of intent — to enable sale of part of the government center to a nonprofit that would lease space for medical and dental services.

Benton County is taking significant steps to transform part of its government center into a nonprofit-operated medical clinic, aiming to enhance community health services!

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#BentonCounty #MN #HealthcareAccess #CitizenPortal #BentonCountyNonprofit #EconomicDevelopment

The image is a black and white photograph depicting an old-fashioned gas station next to the Monroe Roller Mills, which appears as "A Wilhelm & Sons" mill. The scene looks like it could be from mid-20th century America given its style of architecture, vehicles visible at the pump area, and overall aesthetic. There's no explicit information about this particular location being in Oregon or Benton County within a provided caption that I can discern without additional context. This photograph appears to show an industrial site with historical significance due to the presence of milling mills which were often key parts of rural economies during earlier decades before roads improved transport, making them hubs for local commerce and community gatherings as implied by the accompanying text on the image.

Oregon, Monroe, Benton County. The Wilhelm mill closed ten years ago and service station "used to be quite a trading center around here until they had good roads."

#Oregon #Monroe #BentonCounty #Wilhelm #AWilhelm&Sons #America #undefined #photography […]

[Original post on mastodon.ozioso.online]

WA Whistles | Instagram | Linktree Our purpose is to spread whistles throughout WA to help communities protect themselves against ICE.

Sharing for signal: WA Whistles

#WAWhistles #EyesOnICE #TriCities #Kennewick #Pasco #Richland #BentonCounty #FranklinCounty #Washington #ICE
linktr.ee/qr/9b4ce0c2-...

A black‑and‑white flyer with a large whistle emitting lines above raised arms. Headline: “WHISTLES! Instant Alert System — simple, effective, faster than social media. Together we keep our community safe.” Left column, “How It Works”: 1. Wear a whistle. 2. If you see ICE, blow it. • For ICE driving or lurking: short blasts (“PRE—PRE—PRE”). • For an abduction: continuous blasts (“PREEEEEE”). 3. When you hear a whistle: get to safety or follow the sound, form a crowd, stay loud. 4. Text 844‑724‑3737 (WAISN hotline) with location and details. Right column, “How to Help”: Share whistles, teach whistle codes, 3D‑print whistles, host assembly parties, give out free whistles, spread the word on social media, join WA Whistle Warriors. A QR code links to “linktr.ee/wa.whistles.” Initial image description provided with Be My Eyes. Truncated/Abridged version via Copilot.

Sharing for signal: WA Whistles

#WAWhistles #EyesOnICE #TriCities #Kennewick #Pasco #Richland #BentonCounty #FranklinCounty #Washington #ICE