By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors had a brief meeting on Tuesday, July 20, at the service center in Vinton.

The board approved the hiring and employment contract for Rick Wood, maintenance director, effective July 28.

A Class B Beer Permit was approved for the Blairstown Sauerkraut Days beer tent.

An application was approved for use of the courthouse grounds for the Kiwanis Club’s “Bring the Noise” 5K Boomtown event.

The board approved the general assistance quarterly report and recorder’s quarterly report.

The treasurer’s semi-annual report was approved.

A wage increase was approved for Kathy Chamberlain. She cleans at the service center.

An agreement was signed with Nyhart for the Interim GASB 75 Report.

Bids were opened and awarded for four vehicles. Submitting bids were Thys Automotive Group in Blairstown for Chevrolet trucks, and Thys Automotive Group in Belle Plaine for Dodge trucks. The board approved the bid for the Dodge Ram trucks. All are 2020 vehicles. The cost per truck is $29,998.

The board approved a letter of memorandum of the sheriff’s union contract.  

Law enforcement was approved for the City of Keystone. It is $25 per hour. 

The board acknowledged the early retirement of Kelly Roy of the sheriff’s department.

Law enforcement in Atkins

In reports, Sheriff Ron Tippett gave an update on law enforcement for Atkins. He had met with the Atkins Council recently. Tippett said Atkins is interested in doing their own department. However, several council members are concerned that they won’t run for council again. They don’t want to enter into an agreement and then have a new council back out of the contract. Atkins plans to have a special meeting and work session to talk about this and see what they can do. 

Tippett advised that if the town was to start its own department, they would need at least two people to staff it. Benton County would still help them. 

Supervisor Richard Primmer said the law enforcement contracts are good for small communities. For communities that are expanding, this is part of what they have to take into consideration when they grow. 

For now, the current contract at 18 hours a week will be forwarded, Tippett said.