By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Two farm exemptions and a land use change were approved at the Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, meeting of the Benton County Supervisors at the service center in Vinton.
Land use
A farm exemption was approved for Brian Pippert for land in Section 33, Bruce Township. He plans to build a building for storage of farm equipment and grain storage.
A farm exemption was approved for Tyler Ebnet for land in Section 27, Benton Township. He is purchasing land for a house and to start a small farm. He plans a commercial cattle operation and alfalfa hay sales. The land is now owned by Sand Hill Produce.
A land use change was approved Tanner and Lyndsey Davis for land in Section 22, Taylor Township. They plan to build a house. It is on the east edge of Vinton. It is on land owned now by Kim Dulin. The land is in timber pasture and is not in production. There could be septic issues with the presence of limestone in the ground. There was also discussion about the driveway, water drainage, future development and the impact on hunting for game.
Other business
Jane Drapeaux presented the HACAP budget proposal for 2023-24. They help with food, housing, utility assistance, disaster assistance and senior meals. They requested $78,776 from the county. They have a center in Belle Plaine and senior services in Vinton and North Benton County. Supervisor Richard Primmer felt there was a good return on the investment made into the program.
Engineer Myron Parizek presented a FY 2024 budget modification on new equipment to pay for a truck that was damaged while doing winter road work.
Deputies were approved for attorney, recorder and treasurer, who were sworn in Jan. 3, 2023.
New hires were approved for the sheriff’s office. Jeff Harnish was hired as a full-time communication specialist with a beginning wage of $24.48 per hour. Jade Schmitz was approved as a full-time corrections officer with a starting wage of $19.70 per hour. Wanda Hinshaw was hired at part-time in communication for $17.53 per hour. Courtney Meyer was hired as a part-time communication specialist for $19.70 per hour.
Supervisor Tracy Seeman gave an update on communication towers.
Jim Magdefrau 