By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Land use, budgeting and a funding for a fire truck were the main items of business for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, at the Benton County Service Center Conference Room.

A land use hearing was held for Colton Kinzenbaw for land in Section 11, Leroy Township. This is for a house on one acre of land. It is not in production. The driveway is preexisting. A new septic system will be needed. There is rural water so no well is needed. The use is compatible with what is going on now. Land Use Administrator Marc Greenlee said this presents no issues. The land use change was approved unanimously.

A hearing was held for an amendment to the 2022-23 budget. There were no comments from the public. This allows departments to get grants and FEMA reimbursement and to spend the grants and funds. This allows opioid funds to be used through education. County environment (conservation) is getting a grant. Transportation asked for help with fuel and increased costs. Information Technology is getting a refund. Veterans Affairs is also getting a donation. When a department gets a grant, they have to show the authority in order to spend it in the budget. Department 99 deals with workmen’s compensation, which was more than expected. The auditor increased a line item for travel and training.

Dean Vrba, Benton County Transportation, explained a suggested wage change for drivers with a Class D3 chauffer’s license. Vrba requested the change in order to keep part-time drivers. No action was taken.

Kirsten Nelson, Human Resources (HR) discussed a flexible spending vendor change. They are going with P.R.I.M.E Benefits, Cedar Rapids. She also explained the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Hybrid Entity Designation. Benton County belongs to this through the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, and it involves training for HIPPAA. The HR director is in charge of the plan approved by the board.

The board met with George Haefner, Benton County Weed Department. The board approved accepting grants funding for the weed department. The grant will pay for headsets and a spray truck. This was approved by resolution.

Kevin Atkinson asked for an explanation why he wasn’t chosen to be a vegetative roadside manager. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said he should check with human resources. Atkinson also explained veterans preference. Seeman added the supervisors acted on what the hiring committee recommended. Atkinson said he’d go to HR and ask for the documentation. He said that as a veteran, he has the right to know why he was not hired. Discussion Link.

Vinton Parks & Rec applied for use of the courthouse lawn. This is for Spooktacular Days. It is Oct. 29, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 1p.m.

The board approved a Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) Gift for Benton-Canton-Shellsburg fire truck. The total cost is $586,788.79. They asked for a 10-percent match, which the board approved.

Supervisor Richard Primmer was not at the meeting.

Supervisor Tracy Seeman gave an update on the radio communication project.

MEETING LINK