BENTON COUNTY, Ore. – A 911 service district passed in Benton County in Tuesday’s special election.
So far, 61% of voters are in favor.
Voters would pay a tax to fund the new district, which would cover rural Benton County, Adair Village, Corvallis, Monroe and Philomath. Albany will not be included in the district.
The measure summary said the population of the county has increased 24% in the past 35 years, and the 911 center has experienced a 132% increase in dispatched calls for service over that time period.
The district would implement a maximum tax rate of $0.65 per $1,000 assessed value to fund emergency communications. For residents with homes assessed at $200,000 would pay about $130 per year or $10.83 per month.
An advisory committee would be created to provide input, and agencies that use the system would also weigh in.
