Juvenile services director resigns; department reports falling caseloads and $279,000 budget reversion

Benton County commissioners on a routine meeting were told the juvenile services director has resigned and staff are working to steady operations while reviewing the department’s structure.

Assistant county administrator Rick told the board that Matt resigned effective June 17 and took a limited-duration position in public works, and that Derek has taken over day-to-day operational leadership. Rick said staff will evaluate whether to refill the director role or restructure the department and will bring recommendations back to the board if changes are needed.

“Derek has done a great job of stepping in and really taking all of the operational components,” Rick said, describing efforts to stabilize leadership during the transition.

Derek reported the department currently supervises 66 youth and that caseloads have fallen roughly 6–7% annually compared with 2018, with the one exception of a COVID-era spike. He outlined expanded prevention programming planned for the summer and school year, including school-based groups, hikes and pro-social activities coordinated with local partners and Oregon State University venues.

The board was also told the juvenile department closed the 23/25 fiscal period at about 94% of budgeted expenditures — a roughly $279,000 reversion to the general fund, driven in part by vacancy savings. Rick described the underspend as a positive closeout while noting the department has two current vacancies: the director role and a management-class position being treated as a navigator role.

Commissioners and staff discussed exploring ideas to use work-program earnings to help offset restitution in some cases, citing a Marion County model, but said logistics remain unresolved.

The presentation closed with a promise to return to the board with any proposed structural changes after further review. No formal action was taken.