Polk County has stripped the treasurer of duties, leaving the role little more than a figurehead while unelected county officials handle county finances, according to a lawsuit filed by Treasurer Steve Milligan. He says that’s not how Oregon law works.
COUNTY GOVERNMENT
YOUR GOVERNMENT: Marion County commissioners approve extended contract for addiction treatment
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously accepted state money for addiction treatment and services intended to remove barriers to housing. The extended contract with the Oregon Health Authority adds $4.67 million and lasts through June 2025.
Marion County opens new $16.5 million Health and Human Services building
Marion County officials say a newly built Health and Human Services building is a one-time investment that could help save hundreds of thousands in annual costs for space currently leased in offices scattered throughout Salem.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners approve buying armored SWAT vehicle
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved awarding a $160,000 grant for the Strategic Economic Development Corporation, also known as SEDCOR, to promote the growth of Salem-area businesses and the local economy.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners approve state money for disease prevention
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved adding about $1.97 million of state money to an agreement with the Oregon Health Authority for public health services. The new contract totals $6.96 million and lasts through June 2025.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners approve hiring temporary therapists to fill vacancies
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved adding $2.25 million to a contract with a Tennessee nursing agency to provide temporary telehealth services for the county’s behavioral health programs.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners call for repeal of Oregon’s drug decriminalization law
Approved by Oregon voters in 2020, Ballot Measure 110 was intended to take drug users out of jails and get them into treatment. Police, prosecutors and service providers in Marion County say the measure has instead disincentivized people from seeking treatment and worsened violent crime.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners extend mental health screenings at Salem Hospital
Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved adding $100,000 to a contract with Salem Health for Marion County’s Psychiatric Crisis Center to continue providing 24/7 mental health screening services at the hospital’s emergency department.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners approve state money for community corrections
Commissioners on Wednesday voted to accept $27.2 million of state money for overseeing people on probation and post-prison supervision.
UPDATE: Marion County commissioners pull vote on state money for community corrections
Commissioners on Wednesday delayed a vote on accepting $27.2 million of state funding for overseeing people on probation and post-prison supervision. The board provided little information about the decision at the meeting.
