2A Polk County Itemizer-Observer • March 25, 2015
Polk County News
Budget hearings begin Monday Animal neglect
Public comment will be accepted April 1 as part of county process
By Jolene Guzman
The Itemizer-Observer
POLK COUNTY — Look-
ing at the numbers in the
2015-16 Polk County budget
that will be proposed Mon-
day, it seems like the budget
is growing at a healthy rate.
In some places — namely
behavioral health, which re-
ceives most of its money
from the state — it is grow-
ing, and fast.
But in the general fund,
the figures proposed may or
may not be real, depending
on the outcome of the coun-
ty’s public safety levy on the
May 19 ballot.
County Administrator
Greg Hansen said in order to
avoid reconvening the budg-
et committee after the elec-
tion, he wrote the 2015-16
budget including revenue
from the levy.
“I’ve created a ghost de-
partment named ‘operating
levy’ in the general fund, but
that skews everything in the
general fund,” Hansen said.
If the levy passes, Hansen
will move the funding to the
appropriate departments
after May 19. The county’s
budget committee is sched-
uled to formally approve the
budget on May 20.
“If it fails, then we will just
delete that and all the other
budgets that were previously
approved will move forward
as approved,” Hansen said.
With the levy, the county’s
general fund would increase
$2.89 million and add 23.75
positions, mostly going to
various public safety depart-
ments. The levy, which won’t
be voted on until May 19, ac-
counts for $2.25 million and
22 of those positions. With-
out the levy, the general fund
increases by $640,000, to
about $17.1 million, and
adds 1.75 positions.
Hansen said the revenue
increase in the general fund
charges levied
against woman
By Jolene Guzman
The Itemizer-Observer
KATHY HUGGINS/ Itemizer-Observer
The county had to create the 2015-16 budget with the yet-to-be voted on public safety
levy included. That skews the general fund budget by $2.25 million and 22 positions.
Learn More
Polk County budget hearings are scheduled next week,
beginning Monday, at the Polk County Courthouse main
conference room, 850 Main St., Dallas. The schedule is:
• Monday, March 30: 1 to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 31: 8:15 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 1: 10 a.m. to noon. Public comment ac-
cepted at 11 a.m.
• Thursday, April 2: 10 a.m. to noon. Tentative approval of
budget and adjourn until May 20 for final approval.
For more information, to see the hearing agenda or find
out when a specific department will be discussed, go to
www.co.polk.or.us/boc/budget-committee-hearing.
outside still-uncertain levy
funding — about $640,000 —
comes from a roughly
$250,000 bump in property
tax revenue, $150,000 in-
crease in state funding to
Community Corrections,
and a larger beginning fund
balance (carryover from last
year).
Hansen noted the esti-
mated increase in Commu-
nity Corrections still is up in
the air.
“They’re subject to the
legislature, which is current-
ly in session,” Hansen said.
“Those monies could
change, could go down, or
potentially could go up.”
The total county budget is
increasing by $7.5 million,
including the levy if ap-
proved, to $56.5 million.
That includes a more than $3
million increase in behav-
ioral health — formerly
mental health. A total of 20
new positions are included
in behavioral health’s budg-
et, which is not part of the
county’s general fund.
“The good news is the
general fund is beginning to
grow a little, but whether it is
sustainable or not, I don’t
know,” Hansen said. “That
all depends on growth and
building.”
For those who want to
take a closer look at the
budget, or a specific depart-
ment’s budget, the county’s
budget hearings begin Mon-
day at the Polk County
Courthouse conference
room, 850 Main St., Dallas.
Public comment is sched-
uled at 11 a.m. on April 1.
DALLAS — Monica Fos-
ter, the former owner of
more than 90 malnourished
animals seized last month
off a Dallas farm, has been
indicted on 61 animal neg-
lect charges.
Foster, 41, a Dallas resi-
dent, appeared in Polk
County Circuit Court Thurs-
day morning for arraign-
ment on 10 counts of first-
degree animal neglect and
51 counts of second-degree
animal neglect, both felony
charges.
Foster pleaded not guilty
to all charges Thursday. She
was not in custody at the
time of the arraignment
and Polk County Circuit-
Court Judge Monte Camp-
bell ordered Foster not to
possess animals as a condi-
tion of her release.
She was originally cited
for animal neglect on Feb.
18, five days after the ani-
mals were taken into cus-
tody. Foster is due back in
court April 9 for a pretrial
conference.
The American Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals (ASPCA) has pro-
vided a $10,000 grant to the
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
to help cover the cost of res-
cue and care for the ani-
mals, which included 38
horses, 22 goats and more
than 36 geese, ducks and
chickens.
The Polk County Sheriff’s
Office took the animals into
custody on Feb. 13 from the
property in the 300 block of
Pioneer Road in Dallas.
Many of the animals were
emaciated and in poor
health. One horse also was
found dead.
“Performing an animal
seizure of this size requires
significant funding and re-
sources,” Matt Stern, direc-
tor of ASPCA Anti-Cruelty
Group Operations, said in a
statement. “We commend
the Polk County Sheriff’s
Office for their dedication
to investigating crimes
against animals, and are
proud to supply funds to as-
sist these efforts.”
Deputies from the sher-
iff's office
a n d
members
of the
P o l k
County
Sh e r i f f ' s
P o s s e
provided
care and
Foster
shelter for
the animals, which have
now all been placed in per-
manent homes with the
help of All Horses Outreach
of Seattle and Cross Creek
Alpaca Rescue of Tenino,
Wash.
Cross Creek also assisted
the sheriff’s office in finding
homes for 180 alpacas
seized off a farm last year
near Falls City. ASPCA pro-
vided a grant to help with
covering the cost of care in
that case as well.
Polk County Lt. Jeff
Isham recognized all those
who helped with the rescue
effort, including members
of the public who adopted
the animals
“This case really came to-
gether as a result of many,
many people working to-
gether for the good of the
animals,” Isham said.
“Without everyone working
together, this operation
wouldn’t have been such a
success.”
HEALTH DIRECTORY
AUDIOLOGY
Trust your hearing to those that specialize in hearing
and hearing related disorders. Evan L. Evans, Ph. D,
and Julie B. Evans, AuD are both doctoral level Audi-
ologists who have the knowledge, experience and
compassion to provide you with the best care for your
hearing health. We offer free hearing screenings; by
our hearing aid specialist. We offer full & complete di-
agnostic evaluations, counseling and recommenda-
tions by our clinical Audiologists. Other Audiological
services include testing, management and treatment
options for Tinnitus. We have the knowledge and ex-
perience to assist your physician with the diagnosis of
diseases and disorders pertaining to hearing and the
hearing mechanism. We offer wax removal or cerumen
management, Tinnitus testing and Tinnitus manage-
ment techniques. An Audiologist, having the Audiol-
ogy credentials of the American Academy of Audiology
(F-AAA) and the The American Speech Hearing and
Language Association’s Certificate of Clinical Compe-
tency (CCC-A) is the professional of choice for any-
thing related to hearing and or hearing related issues.
Serving our hearing impaired since 1980, with two lo-
cations to serve you.
Audiology Associates
1343-A Monmouth St., Independence • 503-838-3001
2296 NW Kings Blvd, Corvallis • 541-757-2500
CHIROPRACTIC
• JOYNT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC - Dr. Brian Joynt,
DC - 629 Clay Street East, Monmouth, OR 97361
Family-oriented chiropractic clinic, dedicated to cre-
ating an unparalleled experience of service, quality
and care by teaching the true principles of chiroprac-
tic. We look forward to empowering each of you to
help your family participate more fully in life. New pa-
tients welcome. Accept most insurance. Auto/per-
sonal injury and work comp. Massage therapist on
site. Complimentary consultations. Call us today to
make your appointment (503) 837-0550.
• THORNTON CHIROPRACTIC - Drs. Sharon and
Marty Thornton - Palmer Graduates - We care, God
cures. 1650 Monmouth St., Independence, OR 97351
• 503-838-3346. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8-noon & 2-6
pm. Thurs 2-6pm. Proudly serving Polk County for
over 17 years. Offering Thompson Drop and other
hands-on techniques, as well as Advanced Activator
Methods and Functional Neurology. We provide gentle
and effective full-spine and extremity adjusting for all
ages in a loving and caring environment. We are ac-
cepting new patients for Family Wellness Care,
Medicare, Auto or personal injury & Workers Comp. Li-
censed Massage Therapy available on site.
at her Dallas and Falls City offices. She works with in-
dividuals in a safe environment to help individuals
find healing and fulfillment by teaching good commu-
nication skills, appreciation for self and others, appro-
priate responses to individual and family needs, how
to build relationships of trust, appropriate crisis re-
sponses, and how to obtain overall family wellness
emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Some specific
areas of counsel offered are marriage and family, ado-
lescent issues, depression, past and present trauma,
grief, identity crisis, divorce, childhood losses, and
feelings of hopelessness. Our goal is to help individu-
als realize their full potential and to live decisively with
truth, relevance, perspective and purpose. For more
information or to schedule an appointment please call
503-917-1625 or visit our website: www.crossand-
crowncounseling.com
GENERAL DENTISTRY
• RANDALL C. JONES, DMD - 1004 Monmouth St., In-
dependence, OR 503-838-0434. Offering a broad
range of dental services in a relaxed and comfortable
atmosphere. New patients and emergencies welcome.
• DR. JOHN D. SHURTZ DDS - 196 Catron Street N.,
Monmouth,OR 503-838-1800. We are welcoming new
patients and we accept most insurance plans!
• WESTON K. MORRILL, DMD - 289 E. Ellendale Suite
#201, Dallas. 503-623-6616. Family, preventive, and
cosmetic dentistry. Complete dentistry for the entire
family. Se habla español.
• DR. MICHELLE HASBROOK, DMD - 120 N. Atwater,
Monmouth, OR 503-838-2998. Providing all phases of
dental care for children and adults. We welcome new
patients!
• KENNETH WINOKUR, DMD - 329 South Main Street
Independence, OR 97351. 503-838-1633. High quality
service with your comfort in mind. Nitrous oxide gas
sedation available. www.independencedental.org
GENERAL SURGERY SERVICES
• WEST VALLEY SURGICAL SPECIALTY CLINIC sur-
geon, Dr. Alison Smith, provides general surgery
services for a wide range of needs including breast
cancer, gallbladder, biopsies, abdominal surgery, her-
nia repair, appendectomy, as well as colonoscopy.
General surgery appointments are scheduled at the
clinic on Mondays and Thursdays. Dr. Smith does
her surgeries at West Valley Hospital's spacious, state-
of-the art new surgical suite. West Valley Surgical Spe-
cialty Clinic is located at 591 SE Clay St., Dallas. Call
503-831-0784
or
fax
503-623-2612.
Visit
salemhealth.org/specialty.
COUNSELING
GYNECOLOGY SERVICES
• CROSS AND CROWN COUNSELING ~ KATE KOENS,
NCCA Licensed Clinical Christian Counselor and Cer-
tified Temperament Therapist is accepting new clients
Gynecological care is now available in Dallas at the
West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic. Gynecologist
Keita Sakon, MD, specializes in gynecology exams and
procedures, including hysteroscopy and laparoscopy,
as well as family planning, abnormal Pap evaluation,
treatment of pelvic pain, symptom control for
menopause and abnormal periods. Dr. Sakon works in
Dallas on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seeing patients
at the clinic and performing gynecological procedures in
the West Valley Hospital surgical suites. New patients are
welcome! West Valley Surgical Specialty Clinic is located
at 591 SE Clay St., Dallas. Call 503-831-0784 for an ap-
pointment. Visit westvalleyhospital.org/specialtyclinic.
(UPDATE W/ONLINE APPT URL WHEN AVAILABLE.)
HEARING HEALTH
• JOYFUL SOUND HEARING SERVICES, INC. Mark
Sturtevant, 312 Main Street, Dallas OR, 503-623-0290.
Providing Polk County with hearing solutions for 30
years. Services include: Hearing evaluations, Diagnos-
ing hearing loss; Impedance; Fitting all types of hear-
ing devices, Servicing all makes and models of hearing
aids; Ear inspections; Wax removal; Hearing protec-
tion. Hours: Monday - Thursday 9-4pm. (Fridays by
appointment only)
HEART SERVICES
• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL provides heart diagnostic
services including electrocardiograms (EKG), pul-
monary function tests, cardiac stress tests and
echocardiograms with a physician referral. Cardiolo-
gists Dr. Raghu Kamineni, Dr. William Stiles and Dr.
Kevin Thompson see patients for office visits at West
Valley Hospital at 525 SE Washington St., Dallas. For
more heart health information, call 503-623-7304.
IMAGING SERVICES
• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL offers state-of-the-art all-
digital diagnostic imaging services. With your physi-
cian's referral, we provide your bone densitometry, CT
scan, fluoroscopy, mammography, ultrasound, X-ray
and MRI services. Check out our new comfortable and
spacious mammography suite. We are located at 525
SE Washington St., Dallas, 503-623-7302.
LABORATORY SERVICES
• WEST VALLEY HOSPITAL provides lab services at
two convenient locations in Dallas and Monmouth.
Both labs are fully accredited, providing collections
and testing with healthcare provider referral. Employ-
ment and self-referral drug testing is offered. The West
Valley Hospital lab in Dallas is open 24 hours, seven
days a week, at 525 SE Washington St., 503-623-7303.
The Monmouth lab is located in the Monmouth Med-
ical Center, 512 Main St., Suite 300, 503-838-1388. It is
open Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., closed be-
tween noon and 1 p.m. Appointments are not re-
quired.