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Wednesday August 14, 2024 | Volume 148, Issue 31

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Grant rounds out Dallas reservoir expansion project budget By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

investment which will fund important improvements at our wastewater treatment plant,” said Independence Mayor John McArdle. “The additional capacity this project creates will allow our rural community

Dallas was one of 25 Oregon cities to receive funding for community-initiated projects in the Senate’s draft FY25 InteriorEnvironment funding bill passed July 25 totaling $43.7 million. Oregon Sen. Jeff Merkley secured the funding through the Senate Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, which encompasses funding for the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Indian Education, Indian Health Service (IHS), and several other agencies. The community-initiated projects program funds approved for Dallas was $500,000 to build water reservoir on James Howe Road. It’s an important project, according to city Public Works Director Gary Marks. “It’s a project we’ve been looking at maybe three years,” Marks said. “We bought land about 4 years ago with a water reservoir in mind. The principal reason was to increase resiliency in our water system as the community grows, so we have enough potable water to serve the community.” He added the additional water reservoir will also help the Dallas Fire Department maintain its water need to keep pace with the growing community. Marks explained Dallas has a current water reservoir with its Clay Street complex that amounts to four cells, with another reservoir at the south end of town on Main Street just outside of town. With their current finished water plant, that adds up to 8 million gallons available to Dallas. He said the new reservoir planned for James Howe Road would add another 3 million gallons of finished water that would pass through a process plant and be ready for human consumption. Marks said the city’s projections show its current water supply is adequate. “However, surely as growth continues, we need to expand. So, we try to be proactive, get it in place ahead of demand,” he said. He estimates the entire expansion project to be $7 million, which will be funded through three sources – the recent community-initiated projects program funds grant of $500,000; abut $2.1 million from the city’s system development charges (SDCs) developer pay into to fund expansion of facilities; and $4.4 million Dallas has been approved by the state of for a safe drinking water fund revolving loan. “We’re waiting for the state to indicate when that money is available. It will be the determining factor when the project moves

See GRANT, page A7

See RESERVOIR, page A7

PHOTO BY SMY PHOTOGRAPHY

A bull gets the better of a rider during the Hell on Hooves Rough Stock Rodeo at the Polk County Fair Aug. 8. For more images from the event, see page B1.

Rough landing at the Rodeo Juventino Banuelos named Independence police chief

PHOTO BY EMMANUEL GOICOCHEA

State Rep. Paul Evans joins Independence Mayor John McArdle in adding a ceremonial first shovel of dirt to a new tree planted at Sunset Meadows Park. Evans and McArdle were first elected at the same time in 1998, Evans as mayor of Monmouth.

John McArdle to retire at end of 2024 Mayor looks back at who helped build Independence By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

In 1998, the I-O asked candidates for Independence mayor what the city should look like in 30 years. A 41-year-old John McArdle chose to describe the character of

the city rather than its physical appearance. When he announced his retirement in June this year, McArdle came up just four years short of See MAYOR, page A7

Following an extensive search process, Independence Police Detective Sgt. Juventino “Tino” Banuelos has been hired as the next Independence police chief. Banuelos will collaborate with current Independence Police Chief Robert Mason to ensure a smooth transition until Mason retires in December 2024. Banuelos is expected to officially assume the role on Jan. 1, 2025. “I am thrilled that Tino will take over as my successor,” said Mason. “With a proven track record of dedicated service, strong leadership, and a deep sense of compassion, I am confident he will enhance the department’s efforts to protect and serve our community.” “Tino brings a wealth of experience, passion, and heart to our exceptional agency,” said City Manager Kenna West. “I am excited to work alongside him on our management team.” Bañuelos is the eldest son of Juventino and Rosa Bañuelos, who moved to Independence when he was about 4 years old. He attended Independence Elementary, Talmadge Middle School and

Juventino Banuelos Central High School. Bañuelos became a cadet in 1997 and a reserve police officer in 1999. In 2000, he was hired as a full-time officer. During his career, Bañuelos has been a patrol officer, school resource officer, field training officer and detective. During his time as an SRO, he discovered his passion for investigating crimes against children and doing his part to hold those who hurt children accountable. In 2014, Bañuelos was promoted to detective sergeant and spent a few years as team lead See CHIEF, page A7

Independence receives grant for improvements By DAVID HAYES Itemizer-Observer

On Aug. 1, the city of Independence learned it received a $4 million grant from the federal Department of Economic Development Administration for wastewater infrastructure

improvements. This project was made possible through the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which provided funds for disaster relief and recovery for areas that received a major disaster declaration under the Robert T.

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Stafford Act. This investment will be matched with $1 million from Business Oregon and is expected to create or retain nearly 250 jobs and generate $25 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates. “We are thrilled to receive this

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