By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was routine business again for the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the service center in Vinton.

Vacation carryover of 10 days was approved for Sanitarian/Land Use Administrator Marc Greenlee.

A land use hearing was set for John and Rhoda Harris for land in Section 23, Benton Township, for Dec. 28 at 9:15 a.m.

Kirsten Nelson, human resources director, met with the board on a wage increase for Justin Birker, maintenance. It was approved by resolution. This led to discussion on a pay increase policy. The policy is to be in the employee handbook, when approved. She went by policies that are used in other counties. The board urged that the county attorney have a look at the proposed policy before approval.

Benton County Attorney David Thompson met with the board on a clock quote from Mechanical Watch Supply LLC. The old bell was not ringing on the hour and has been running fast. There was concern about safety of some of the switches. No action was taken.

Thompson also met in closed session with the board on pending litigation. After the session, the board approved having Thompson sign all documents regarding the opioid settlement litigation on behalf of Benton County. It is not known how soon the money will be received. They also directed Thompson to take action on other items discussed in the closed session.

A resolution was approved for a gift of $40,379.77 from Local Option Sales and Service Tax to Florence Township for a new fire truck. There was no action on a proposed loan since it was not on the agenda.

In reports, Chairman Tracy Seeman said Benton County Emergency Services will put out 18 weather stations to watch the weather. This is funded by American Rescue Plan funds. The stations will probably be at local fire stations and towers, and can be seen on the emergency services web site. They also discussed how to use siren towers that are no longer in use. They had been used by Duane Arnold Energy Center.

The board also discussed how labor shortages are affecting secondary roads.