Benton officials press Franklin for $2.7M share and urge Franklin to join recovery‑center operations

Benton County commissioners heard presentations about the new Columbia Valley Center for Recovery and the county’s efforts to secure both construction reimbursements and long‑term operational agreements.

Deputy County Administrator Matt Rasmussen explained that in 2024 the two counties agreed to split roughly $10.8 million in "betterments" (added construction items such as expanded detox and crisis stabilization beds and a secure drop‑off) and that Benton fronted payments during construction. Rasmussen said Franklin County’s remaining betterment obligation is $2,735,000 of a $5,470,000 commitment; Benton has paid all bills and has submitted an April invoice for Franklin’s final installment.

Rasmussen said Franklin commissioners earlier passed a resolution to pause future payments to the recovery center. He said Comprehensive Health — the provider contracted to operate the facility — has staffed and trained on site but the county is finalizing licensing that was delayed by an addressing/permitting issue. "Comprehensive has been staffing. They have training. They're ready to go," Rasmussen said; he added the county expects a license within days after resolving the address issue with the Department of Health.

Rasmussen described a recommended operational approach under which each county would contract directly with the provider rather than have one county administer funds for both; that model, he said, eliminates concerns about one county administering another’s funds and reduces administrative charges. He told the board Benton will present a proposed contribution for county residents who cannot pay and that the county would act as payer of last resort only after other payer sources are exhausted.

Commissioner Alvarez and other commissioners stressed that the center is funded in part by the 0.1% sales tax dedicated to chemical‑dependency and mental‑health services and said Benton must ensure that those funds are used for Benton residents as required. Rasmussen said the provider will pursue Medicare, Medicaid and other sources first and that Benton may see higher proportions of non‑Benton clients (particularly from Franklin) because of geography; he warned the county could need to increase its share if neighboring counties do not participate.

Recovery Coalition leaders and behavioral‑health committee members described community benefits, private fundraising of about $3.1 million and the need for adolescent beds and follow‑on services. Jason Bliss, chair of the Behavioral Health Advisory Committee, said he plans to meet Franklin County commissioners to answer questions and seek operational commitments.

Commissioners thanked presenters and directed staff to return with a proposal for county contributions, contractual options, and follow up on Franklin County’s payment and operational intentions.