Marion County approves Reentry Initiative MOU to coordinate services for people leaving incarceration

The Marion County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding on June 1 to guide collaborative services for people reentering the county from incarceration. The board voted to adopt the Marion County Reentry Initiative MOU after a presentation by Tamra Goettsch and Commander Jeff Wood.

The MOU lists participating organizations and county offices and, according to presenters, delineates roles and responsibilities, establishes regular monthly coordination, and provides a framework for consistent service delivery and data compilation. Participating entities identified during the presentation included Bridgeway Recovery Services; Chemeketa Community College; Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency; Marion County Community Services Department; the Marion County District Attorney’s Office; the Oregon Department of Corrections; Family Building Blocks; Incite, Inc.; the Marion County Sheriff’s Office; the Union Gospel Mission of Salem; and the Marion County Health Department.

Board members said the MOU replaces prior memoranda, aligns with Justice Reinvestment efforts, and positions the Board of Commissioners’ office to provide leadership, policy oversight, and oversight of budget and contracts related to the initiative. Commissioners also expressed appreciation for staff who coordinated the paperwork and signatures needed to finalize the agreement. Tamra Goettsch and Commander Jeff Wood led the presentation and answered commissioners’ questions about coordination and roles.

The motion to approve the MOU was made by Commissioner Sam Brentano, seconded by Commissioner Janet Carlson, and carried by unanimous voice vote. The approved MOU formalizes continuing monthly meetings and shared program planning; no immediate budget appropriation was described at the meeting.