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Benton City council allows veteran tribute sign after public comment
Summary
At its March 4 meeting, the Benton City Council heard from veteran Steve Epperson, who requested permission to install a 5-by-4-foot tribute sign honoring local veterans at the corner of Babs and Dale. Council members voiced support and indicated the sign may be installed at no cost to the city.
On March 4, 2025, the Benton City Council heard a public comment from Steve Epperson, a Benton City native and U.S. military veteran, who asked the council’s permission to place a 5-by-4-foot sign honoring local veterans at the corner of Babs and Dale by the flag. Epperson said the sign was produced by FASTSIGNS, carries a seven-year warranty and would be paid for and installed at his expense; he said city staff member Zach had reviewed the plan and provided directives for its placement.
Council members responded positively to the request, indicating there were no objections and that Epperson could proceed; the approval on the record was verbal rather than the result of a formal recorded motion. Epperson told the council he formed a nonprofit that assisted veterans and that, according to the most recent census figures he had seen, about 7–10% of the local population are veterans.
In other business, councilmembers reported on recent meetings and regional infrastructure topics. One member summarized a Good Roads Association meeting where speakers discussed Benton County’s inland port, railroad improvements along Route 240, and studies for a potential fourth bridge across the Columbia River. Another member reported attending the irrigation district meeting and said district managers plan to turn on irrigation water April 1; he also noted easement issues near the city shops and asked staff to coordinate follow-up with Nathan and Galen.
The council also agreed to add an executive session to the meeting to discuss pending or potential litigation under state executive-session authority; members set the session to run until 20 minutes after the hour before final adjournment. The regular meeting recessed and members prepared to move into that executive session.
No ordinances, resolutions or formal policy votes were taken on the veterans sign; the record shows routine approval of the consent agenda and the regular agenda (the consent agenda vote record lists Sandretto, Reid and Alcazar as voting 'aye' on that consent motion). The council then moved to adjourn the public portion of the meeting and enter the planned executive session.
