By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Pit bull concerns were aired at the close of the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting, Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022.

At the close of the meeting, Julene Jensen said she had old business with the board regarding the pit bull ban in the county. She asked about the previous week’s meeting with Preston Moore of the Humane Society. She questioned how lifting the ban would save tax dollars. She asked why the Benton County ordinance was put into effect. She talked about people being responsible owners. She said that in 2013 in Cedar Rapids she lost a puppy when the neighbor’s pit bull got into her fenced-in back yard and mauled her puppy.

She said she moved to Benton County so she wouldn’t have to deal with pit bulls. She does not hate them, but she doesn’t trust them. She would never put her family or pets anywhere near them. She pointed out the dog that attacked her puppy was raised in a loving home and was raised right.

If the county lifts the ban, she said there will be bites and attacks. She said the ban should not be lifted. Good people will be leaving if the ban is lifted, she said.

Supervisor Gary Bierschenk advised that the towns take care of the towns. Chairman Tracy Seeman stressed the county has not changed or lifted anything. The pit bull ordinance is still in effect. He also gave Moore’s business card to Jensen so she can contact him.

Jensen urged, “Please. Don’t lift the ban.”

Seeman replied, “We hear you.”

Other business

A 28E agreement was approved with East Central Region for mental health/disability services.

A claim was approved for John Deere Financial (Theisens) using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for conservation.

Vacation carryover was approved for Dean Vrba, Benton County Transportation.

The board approved homestead, military and disabled veterans homestead exemptions. Business tax credits were also approved.

Benton County Treasurer Melinda Schoettmer and Chris Ward of the City of Vinton met with the board regarding a tax sale certificate on Parcel No. 240-92925. This is an empty lot. The board approved having the treasurer sign the property over to the city.

A separation distance waiver was approved for Todd Wiley. This is for a hog confinement building.

In reports, the board discussed the cost for a proposed shower house for Benton County Conservation’s Wildcat Campground. They also talked about the costs for communication towers.