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Benton County crisis center nears operational steps; hiring, certification and IT procurement underway
Summary
County staff reported progress on the new crisis center: furniture orders placed, policies and residential treatment facility certification work in progress, hiring plans pending collective bargaining, and phased IT procurement to meet a tight schedule before opening.
Rachel Vance and project manager Stacey Yutze told commissioners Feb. 18 that Benton County’s crisis center is moving into operational planning, with several tasks underway to support an opening in phases.
Yutze said furniture for the stabilization and upstairs respite spaces has been ordered after a selection process and that staff are compiling documentation required for residential treatment facility certification. She said hiring cannot proceed at full speed until bargaining issues are resolved; labor bargaining sessions were scheduled and the county aims to begin hiring in March if those steps align.
Project staff described a phased IT equipment procurement to meet lead times: an initial order to equip the downstairs stabilization area and a second order later for the upstairs respite area. They are also drafting policies and procedures for 24/7 operations, scoping custodial and security contracts appropriate for a round‑the‑clock facility, and preparing memoranda of understanding with community partners. County leaders said current crisis services will continue during the transition and that the facility will be opened in phases to limit service disruptions.
Commissioners asked about scheduling for a public tour and ceremonial events; staff suggested May as an appropriate time for introductions and community tours, pending completion of remaining operational items.
