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Work group weighs broader notification options after past CUP communication gaps; postcard mailing cost estimated
Summary
At the Dec. 7 Benton County joint session of SWAC and DSAC, work group members raised concerns about past delays in notifying residents of conditional use permit filings and discussed broadening outreach methods including countywide postcard mailings, targeted ZIP-code mailings and use of the county's email list.
Members of the Benton County Talks Trash work group told the Dec. 7 joint SWAC/DSAC meeting that communication and public notification will be a priority for the group. Several participants said the community did not receive timely notice of a previous conditional use permit (CUP) application and asked that the county improve outreach for future CUPs and franchise agreements.
Marge (work group member) said the county maintains an email list of about 10,000 addresses while the county population is roughly 100,000, and that broad coverage likely requires a paid mailing service that uses public-address records. Marge said one vendor estimated a postcard mailing to all Benton County residents could cost about $5,000, though she cautioned that the amount could be higher.
Other members suggested targeted mailings by ZIP code or using the existing landfill neighbor notification list for immediate neighbors, which would reach a smaller group and cost less. The subcommittee agreed to report further on communication options at the work group meeting scheduled for Dec. 15 and asked county staff to circulate the SMMP outline and other links so interested parties can provide input.
Next steps: The communication subcommittee will develop specific recommendations on whether to use postcards to all households, targeted ZIP-code mailings, email notifications, or a mix of methods and present cost estimates and recommended language back to the work group on Dec. 15. The meeting record captured no county decision to fund a mailing; budget decisions would require separate county approval.
