 Highland Elementary employees received the highest county award, The Distinction of Honor, for protecting students from a dangerous man on campus in June of 2023.
In this issue:
Greetings, Marion County! With summer just around the corner and the weather allowing us to enjoy the warm outdoor recreation season, we turn our attention to both some of the opportunities in front of us, as well as important updates. A lot has been accomplished for Marion County residents, and important legislation has passed this year with significant implications for our community.
This issue of Marion County Today will highlight some important impacts, like: Senate Bill 1545 which provides some property tax relief to wildfire survivors in the Santiam Canyon; resources we allocated to support and protect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities; House Bill 4002, which stops the decriminalization of drugs that occurred under Measure 110; and a down payment assistance program that has been helping Marion County families get into homes. We also acknowledge the heroism of some Highland Elementary School staff members who stopped an assailant from gaining access to children.
Lastly, we want to encourage you to attend the Marion County Fair, coming up July 11-14, and we will update you on which parks are open for recreation in the Santiam Canyon this summer!
We recognize this newsletter cannot cover every area of interest to the community, and we hope that you will follow our news blog (marioncountynews.org) and our social media. We take our role as your representatives seriously, and we want to hear from you. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at commissioners@co.marion.or.us, or call 503-588-5212.
As always, thank you for allowing us to serve.
Sincerely,
Your Marion County Board of Commissioners
Kevin Cameron, Chair
Danielle Bethell, Commissioner
Colm Willis, Commissioner
Jan Fritz, CAO
At the 2024 Marion County State of the County address, the Marion County Board of Commissioners gave five Highland Elementary School Employees the Distinction of Honor, Marion County's highest award for heroically protecting their students from a dangerous, mentally ill assailant on the last day of school last year.
The assailant, Charley Velasquez-Sanchez, had already been arrested in the past for violent assault, but the Oregon State Hospital had refused to hold him for treatment despite its statutory obligations.
Then on the morning of June 14, 2023, the kids were playing at recess at Highland Elementary School in Salem, Oregon, when events took a horrible turn. Mr. Valezquez-Sanchez stormed the campus and attempted to get to the kids.
School Librarian Laurie Miller tried to stop him. He punched her in the face and knocked her to the ground. Seeing this, Ashley Rochetto called for help on her radio. The assailant then attacked her, kicking her in the head until she lost consciousness. When she regained consciousness, she shouted for the kids to run inside to safety. Hearing the call for help on the radio, Andrew Limbeck, Keiny Aisek, and Keith Broyles ran outside and subdued Mr. Valezquez-Sanchez until the police arrived.
"What these folks did was incredible," said Commissioner Colm Willis. "But they wouldn't have had to be heroes if the state would comply with its statutory obligation and quit pretending like it is not responsible for these dangerous individuals in our community.
"The state's behavior in this matter has been unconscionable, but we are incredibly blessed to have such heroic teachers in our community."
Marion County filed multiple lawsuits against the State Hospital in state and federal court, to prevent incidents like this from happening again. The county will continue to advocate for the safety of our community and accessible treatment for individuals in crisis.
 A home under reconstruction in the Santiam Canyon.
Santiam Canyon wildfire survivors have something to celebrate this month as Senate Bill 1545 was signed into law.
Senate Bill 1545 addresses the urgent need to reset property tax assessments for Santiam Canyon residents affected by the devastating 2020 Labor Day wildfires. Marion County worked diligently alongside the bill’s sponsors to get it across the finish line this legislative session.
“As a Commissioner, I have witnessed firsthand the immense challenges faced by individuals and families who lost their homes in the fires and subsequently had to rebuild,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron, Chair. “Senate Bill 1545 offers a lifeline to those struggling to rebuild by mitigating the burden of increased property taxes.”
Under Oregon's current tax laws, property tax assessments are subject to certain limitations, with the maximum assessed value of unchanged properties increasing by no more than 3% each year. However, legal or physical changes to the property, such as rebuilding after a wildfire, are exceptions to this limit, often resulting in significant property tax increases for affected residents.
“We absolutely do not want to burden homeowners recovering from the fire with additional costs and expenses as they put their lives back together,” said Commissioner Colm Willis. “I’m proud to see the County and Legislature come together to help these folks out as they rebuild.”
Senate Bill 1545 provides much-needed relief to fire-impacted residents by allowing them to reset their property taxes to the homestead's real market value for the 2020-2021 tax year, based on the original square footage of their original residence. This measure has the potential to lower property taxes back to pre-fire rates for those who have rebuilt or plan to rebuild their homes on the same lot.
“This bill will be monumental for survivors already struggling to make ends meet after the fires,” said Senator Fred Girod, the bill’s chief sponsor. “Resetting the assessed value of homes rebuilt after being destroyed in the wildfires acknowledges the financial hardship faced by property owners who have already endured the trauma of losing their homes.”
While SB 1545 grants counties the discretion to reset assessed values, it does not mandate it. However, providing counties with this option is a crucial step toward ensuring fairness and equity for fire-affected residents. It is imperative that we support these individuals and families as they work to rebuild their lives and communities in the aftermath of such devastating loss.
 North Fork Park Swimming Hole.
After North Fork Road officially opened to the public last year, we wanted to give you an update on what parks in the North Fork Corridor are open this summer, and which will remain closed.
As you may remember, Marion County Public Works completed extensive projects in the North Fork to provide a safer roadway corridor, including resurfacing the road, replacing and installing new guardrail, and replacing and installing new road signs. They have also worked diligently to ensure some parks are open and safe for recreation this year.
Two Parks Open for Summer
We are excited to announce that two parks in the North Fork Corridor are now open for recreation. However, we want to caution that, after the fires, things will look a little different as you venture out into these areas. Public Works crews have worked to mark what areas of the parks are accessible to the public with orange construction fencing. They have also laid new gravel trails in some areas to improve river access. We want to remind individuals to please stay within the sectioned areas of the park, as the plant life outside of these areas is still growing and recovering after the fire and could be easily trampled. Additionally, there is still a risk in some areas of unstable ground, countless trip hazards and hazard trees that could fall without warning.
It is imperative to respect all rules and regulations for your own safety while visiting Marion County Parks. The day use fee for these parks is $5 per vehicle. The fee can be paid at one of four pay stations. These pay stations take only credit and debit cards. Cash is no longer accepted.
North Fork Park
North Fork Park opened for day use on May 15, 2024, including amenities such as parking, a restroom, picnic tables, and river access. This was one of our most popular recreation spots before the fire, and we are happy to have it open for the public again, though there is a significant lack of shade tree coverage post-fire. So, remember to pack sufficient sunscreen if you are planning to wander out this way. Open areas of the park are cordoned by orange construction fence to protect the areas still in recovery, or to protect the public from hazardous areas, so again, please respect these barriers.
Bear Creek Park
Bear Creek Park has also opened for summer day use and recreation, with similar amenities to North Fork Park. This area especially is cordoned with orange construction fence to protect the plant life that is still growing and recovering after the fire. There is, however, a sectioned walking trail available as well as a stairway to river access.
Salmon Falls Park
Unfortunately, Salmon Falls Park will remain closed to the public until Summer of 2025 due to damage and ongoing repairs to the park, including installing a new bathroom (the old bathroom was severely damaged in the fires), as well as allowing plant life to recover. Venturing into this park could not only be unsafe, but it is also a fineable offense. For your safety, the preservation of the land, and the safety of Marion County Sheriff Officers, we strongly encourage you not to explore this until it is formally opened next year.
Highway 22 Parks
With the exception of Niagara Park and Minto Park, which are both still undergoing repairs, all other county parks along Highway 22 are open for recreation, including Packsaddle Park and North Santiam Park. North Santiam Park is currently open for camping on a first come first served basis. We encourage you to explore and enjoy these parks and the beautiful recreational opportunities they provide.
Please Enjoy Responsibly
As we have urged in the past, please remember that while this is area is beautiful and fun to enjoy for your recreational uses, there are residents with privately owned lands throughout this corridor. Green and red signs have been replaced to remind the public where there is and isn’t public access. Please respect the property owners and their losses in this wildfire. This entire area is still in active recovery. While we want everyone to enjoy the beauty Marion County Parks have to offer, we do ask you be respectful of the parks and of the residents in these areas.
Oregon's battle against opioid addiction, particularly fentanyl, has taken a new and important turn as the recently passed House Bill 4002 rolls back parts of drug decriminalization that happened under Measure 110.
What Changes Under HB 4002
House Bill 4002 introduces a new misdemeanor crime for unlawful possession of a controlled substance, effective September 1, 2024. This reclassification from a Class E violation to a misdemeanor includes a significant focus on deflection programs, which allow individuals to complete a program to assist them in getting clean from drugs instead of facing criminal charges. Sentencing defaults to probation with mandatory addiction treatment, avoiding jail time or fines unless there are violations. Additionally, criminal records are automatically expunged after completion of probation or jail time.
Counties are responsible for operating deflection programs. Marion County’s main priority has always been getting people to recovery, not sending them to jail. Marion County’s highly successful Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (L.E.A.D.) program has served as an example of how other counties may implement similar programs. Under HB 4002, enforcement officers are encouraged to refer individuals to these programs rather than making arrests. HB 4002 also authorizes police to confiscate illicit drugs and prohibits their use in public spaces. It also allows for harsher sentences for drug dealers who are dispersing these highly-addictive drugs onto our streets.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has been tasked with implementing the funding for HB 4002 with over $200 million appropriated for various aspects of the bill and other opioid-related legislation. Marion County elected officials are already working to establish which program areas will need to expand to make our response to these changes as effective as possible, providing enough coverage to provide individuals with the legal accountability and behavioral health resources they may need.
Implications for Marion County
The legal landscape in Marion County will shift with the new misdemeanor classification for drug possession. The use of deflection programs offers an alternative to traditional arrests, potentially reducing caseloads for law enforcement and courts. Counties must also collaborate with behavioral health systems to ensure effective addiction treatment and address the root causes of addiction.
“The changes occurring after HB 4002 are huge,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron, Chair. “The point of the legislation isn’t to send more people to jail, but to instead give law enforcement the authority to really direct people into deflection programs, like LEAD.”
“This is a a positive step toward addressing the drug crisis we see the consequences of every day on our streets,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “Leaving people to suffer in addiction is not compassionate, and providing a mandatory gateway to recovery is an important first step in saving lives.”
HB 4002 marks a significant change in Oregon's approach to drug policy since 2021. Its aim to tackle addiction and improve community safety will be closely watched by county officials and our community partners.
“I really do believe this is a step in the right direction for Marion County and for the State as a whole,” said Commissioner Colm Willis. “Oregonians everywhere have seen the negative consequences of Measure 110, and this shift in policy will not only help folks caught in addiction, but it will help keep our communities cleaner and safer.”
 Cutting the Ribbon at the Liberty House Expansion in Woodburn, Oregon.
An awareness campaign, and a slew of resources increasing access for child victims of abuse have become available this year, and we are excited to tell you about it!
On Wednesday, March 27, 2024, the Marion County Board of Commissioners proclaimed the month of April to be Child Abuse Prevention Month in Marion County. The proclamation represents Marion County’s continued commitment to raise public awareness of the prevalence of child abuse and neglect and what each of us can do to prevent it.
“We take this work seriously as Commissioners, and we try our best to expand services to other parts of the county and ensure everyone has access to services,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “I’m excited for a Liberty House expansion in Woodburn, and I’m equally happy for a future expansion to come for CASA in Woodburn.
“Kids and families shouldn’t have to leave their communities to seek help.”
There were 10,711 confirmed cases of child abuse and neglect in Oregon in 2022, and 1,098 of these were victims in Marion County. Of those children, 41.6% were five years old or younger.
“Protecting these kids across our community is such a priority for me,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron, Chair. “The more we can help these young kids and protect them and connect them and their parents with the resources they need to recover, the larger the generational impacts on not only their families, but our entire community.”
On April 5, 2024, Commissioner Colm Willis participated in a ribbon cutting event celebrating the expansion of Liberty House in Woodburn. Liberty House is a child advocate center operating in both Marion and Polk counties and bills itself as “the only place providing special assessment services in a safe, comfortable, child-friendly environment.” They have operated in the community since 1999.
“There may be people in the county who suffered some abuse as a child, and it may have never been reported or told to anybody,” said Commissioner Colm Willis. “If you’re one of those individuals, I just want you to know how much we care about you and how important you are to us and to the community.”
Liberty House is not the only organization for victims of domestic violence coming online in Woodburn and across the community. As part of the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, the Marion County Commissioners allocated $100,000 to The Center for Hope & Safety to help expand resources in the Greater Woodburn Area, including full-time bi-lingual support. The Center for Hope & Safety has sheltered and served victims of domestic violence and provided them aid in the community since 1973.
Commissioners allocated an additional $75,100 in CDBG dollars to CASA of Marion County to increase access to supports and services in underserved areas of Marion County and increase bi-lingual accessibility.
CASA of Marion County is appointed by the Marion County Circuit Court to all children in foster care in Marion County. Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Marion County provides every child in need with a safe, stable, trained adult who volunteers their time, expertise, and heart. These trained adult volunteers, called “CASAs”, create positive relationships with a foster child while understanding the child’s unique history and needs, and advocating on their behalf within the human services, justice, and healthcare systems.
“It’s exciting to see all of these much-needed community resources really come together and come alongside some of the most vulnerable populations in our community,” said Commissioner Bethell. “I look forward to seeing the continued work we can do to promote safe and healthy families to inspire generational change and stop the cycle of abuse and neglect.”
For many families, the dream of homeownership can feel out of reach, especially in the current housing market. But with a helping hand, that dream can become a reality. Marion County’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program has been doing just that, helping families into homes with through down payment assistance.
Across the country, and in Marion County, the cost of housing has proven to be a barrier to entry for many families struggling to scrape together a down payment.
“When you’re talking around the $400,000 mark for a starter home, saving up for a sizeable percentage as a down payment can be a huge roadblock to many families,” said Commissioner Kevin Cameron, Chair. “This program essentially will function to help families who can afford a mortgage, but who need that extra help with a down payment to become homeowners instead of renters.”
The HOME Program offers flexible assistance to bridge the gap between a bank’s loan approval and the price of a home. While it doesn't guarantee funding upfront, it can reserve funds to help an individual qualify for a loan. Once the bank approves a certain level of financing, prospective buyers receive a commitment letter of funds from the County, with funding up to $125,000 per family, depending on the gap between the loan and the value of the home. The program provides a secondary lien, meaning it takes a second position behind your primary mortgage.
Eligibility
To qualify for funding through the HOME Program, there are some requirements:
- The property must be located within Marion County, but outside Salem city limits.
- Your household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) set by HUD. The exact income limits depend on your family size.
- You cannot have owned a home in the past three years.
- Completing a homebuyer training course is mandatory. Dev Northwest can assist you with this requirement, even if you have a lower credit score.
- The property you choose must meet HUD's housing quality standards to ensure its safety and livability.
- The maximum price of the house can only be 95% or lower of the area median home price.
Already Making a Difference
The program is already making a difference for some Marion County families. Two families have successfully received down payment assistance, with one more closing expected by the end of April. There are an additional 39 applications currently in process.
Unfortunately, funds for this program are limited. There's currently $1.1 million available for the program, with an annual allocation estimated to be around $650,000. If you are interested and eligible for this program, we encourage you to apply sooner rather than later.
"We want to get as many individuals into homes as possible,” said Commissioner Danielle Bethell. “If you're a first-time buyer in Marion County and meet the eligibility requirements, I encourage you to reach out to Marion County Community Services and learn more about this program."
"Investing in our residents is key to a thriving Marion County,” said Commissioner Colm Willis. “This down payment assistance program is a smart investment that helps folks build a solid foundation for themselves and for future generations."
|
