By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was routine business for the Benton County Board of Supervisors when they met Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the Benton County Service Center conference room in Vinton.

The board signed a statement for a vending machine waiver, requested by McBride Mobile Taps.

A proclamation was approved for May being Community Action Month.

Mona Onken and Mae Hintgen met with the board about the memorandum of understanding between Benton County and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, referring to the mental health advocate position and duties. Discussion was held on the administrative code, reporting, quality assurance system, management plan, and the roles of the county and region. This was tabled again.

The second consideration was given for a resolution that declares Emergency Medical Services as an essential service in Benton County. The third reading and adoption is planned on May 11.

The board appointed Sheriff Ron Tippett, Karen Uthoff of the sheriff’s office, Doug Kearns of secondary roads, Megan Hall of the attorney’s office, and Shelby Williams of conservation, and Supervisor Rick Primmer to the human resources director hiring committee. They also approved Beth Geater of the auditor’s office. There are 13 applicants so far, with a deadline in three weeks.

The board approved the April 2023 Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Project and Expenditure Report.

The board gave approval to the Iowa Department of Transportation detour agreement for the Iowa Highway 150 roundabout project. A bridge embargo was approved in Section 10, Florence Township. Another detour agreement was approved for Iowa 150 for a bridge replacement project in 2024.

The board discussed the lease agreement with Cedar Valley Ranch. County Attorney Ray Lough was at the meeting. The lease was approved after discussion on repairs and maintenance.

They went into closed session with the land use and health department. After closed session, the board approved looking for a public health administrator, along with approaching Virginia Gay to get a short extension beyond July 1 if they do not have an administrator by then.