Special meeting called to consider ‘investigation’ at Port of Benton
The Port of Benton Commission has scheduled a special meeting for 8:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 29, to possibly take action on results of an employment investigation.
The port meets in the commission chambers at 3250 Port of Benton Blvd., Richland.
The special agenda includes appointing an agent to handle claims for damages and amending the approved signers for accounts at Banner and Key banks.
The three commissioner will meet in private executive session to consider matters relating to agency enforcement action, litigation or potential litigation and legal risks.
When it reconvenes, it could take action on the status of pending employment investigations.
Commissioners Scott Keller, Bill O’Neil and Lori Stevens are facing an attempt to recall them from office after a chaotic start to the year that saw them place Executive Director Diahann Howard on paid leave pending an investigation, and they fired the newly hired auditor.
Benton County Superior Court Judge Diana Ruff allowed the recall to proceed, but eliminated some of the charges alleged by Citizens for a Better Port.
The commission praised the judge’s ruling but have asked the state Supreme Court to block the recall on the remaining claims. If the court does not block the recall, the citizen group can begin to collect signatures. If it gathers enough signatures, voters will decide if they will be allowed to remain in office.
In March, it released a damning 20-page organizational analysis carried out by Tri-Cities consultant Eileen Griffin-Ray.
The report did not identify individuals by name, but described widespread leadership failures and a “culture of retaliation” within the organization.
“The Port of Benton is in desperate need of structure, order, and leadership. The absence of these critical organizational components was apparent at the initial introduction to the Port and that observation was reinforced throughout the weeks of research and analysis,” Griffin-Ray wrote.
Keller, O’Neil and Stevens could not be reached to comment on the Griffin-Ray report or what they plan to do about the results.
The Port of Benton is governed by three elected commissioners and covers an area of west Benton County extending from Richland to Prosser.
It operates the Richland and Prosser airports, a barge terminal, the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center and numerous business parks and Crow Butte Park. The port employs 22 people, has a $26 million annual budget and collects $3.3 million in property taxes.