Justice System Improvement Program

Frequently Asked Question about Bond Measure 2-140

You have questions? We have answers. We’ve compiled frequently asked questions about proposed bond measure 2-140 on this page.

What are the key dates for this election? 

Mar 31, 2023 Fri Military and out of country ballots mailed
Apr 17, 2023 Mon Out of State ballots mailed
Apr 25, 2023 Tue Last day to register to vote
Apr 26, 2023 Wed Local ballots mailed
May 11, 2023 Thu Last day for Election Official to mail ballots
May 12, 2023 Fri Voters needing a replacement ballot must make arrangements for pickup at Benton County Elections Office
May 16, 2023 Tue Election Day – 8:00 PM deadline to return ballots using an Official Ballot Drop Box anywhere in the state of Oregon or by USPS mail.

Please note: Ballots returned via USPS must be postmarked no later than Election Day and received by the Elections Office by the 7th day after the election 

Who decided on the proposed bond facilities in this measure? 

The Benton County Board of Commissioners selected the proposed facilities for the May 2023 bond based on a multi-year, community-involved planning process. The facilities are intended to address access to mental health services and community-based supports for all residents, and to provide space for emergency and law enforcement services, accountability, and treatment programs for adults in custody. 

What are the proposed facilities that are included in proposed measure 2-140? 

  • A co-located Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Operations Center for coordination during major events and natural disasters, and for emergency response. 
  • A new correctional facility with increased capacity (up to 120 beds) and dedicated areas to provide mental health and addiction services.
  • Expanded and redesigned spaces for the Children and Family Program mental health services for youth and families. 
  • Funding for homelessness services facilities, with the option of a homelessness services housing and navigation center, in partnership with Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center, to help people build pathways out of homelessness. Benton County has requested state funds to complete the project. 

If the measure passes, how much would it cost? 

If passed, the bond levy rate would be an estimated $0.55 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The cost would be an estimated $142 per year for a Benton County home with a median tax-assessed value of $258,596. Actual levy rate may vary due to changes in interest rates and assessed value. If the measure does not pass, the proposed facilities would not be built, and property taxes would not increase. 

What is the tax-assessed value of my property?

Tax-assessed value is different than market value. You can search the current tax-assessed value of your property online.
View the Benton County Assessment Property Search page

If the proposed bond is passed, when will it sunset? 

If passed, bonds may be issued in a series and would not exceed 31 years. 

If the proposed bond is passed, when would facilities construction begin? 

If passed, construction is estimated to begin in 2024.  

If the proposed bond is passed, when are facilities estimated for completion? 

If passed, the proposed new law enforcement facilities are estimated for completion in 2026/27. 

If the proposed bond is passed, how would the County fund operational costs for a larger correctional facility? 

If passed, operational costs for expanded law enforcement facilities would be funded through a combination of the current local option levy and general fund revenues. 

What would the Bond Oversight Committee do? 

If the proposed bond is passed, a Bond Oversight Committee would be formed. The committee would consist of community volunteers who would actively review and report on the proper expenditure of taxpayers’ money for the projects and advise the public as to whether the county is complying with the ballot measure language. 

What elements of the proposed bond measure address safety and accountability?  

If passed, the bond would fund facilities and space for both treatment and accountability, including: 

  • Expanded secure holding facilities for those held under court supervision due to risk of harm or other reasons. 
  • Dedicated areas in the correctional facility to provide mental health and substance abuse treatment.
  • Increased bed capacity. 
  • New, centralized Sheriff’s Office and emergency operations facilities. 

What elements of the proposed bond measure address mental health?  

If the measure passes, the proposed bond funds would be used to renovate and expand an existing County facility, addressing program capacity, safety, and effectiveness including: 

  • Redesigned therapy rooms large enough for entire families.
  • Expanded areas for group counseling. 
  • A dedicated Play Therapy space for children as an alternative to traditional therapy. 

What elements of the proposed bond measure would address homelessness services facilities? 

  • If the bond passes, the County has allocated up to $3 million for a homelessness services housing and navigation center. The proposed facility is envisioned in partnership with the Corvallis Daytime Drop-in Center (CDDC) serving Benton County since 2002. Benton County has requested state funds to complete the project.