By Jim Magdefrau
VINON – EMS, land use and vacancies were on the agenda for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at the service center in Vinton.
Engineer
Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek talked with the board about raising the county’s per diem rate for meals and incidentals for travels outside of Benton County. This does not include contiguous counties. The rate is now $30 and it has not been changed since 2007. They approved increasing this to $60 a day. They talked about following the General Services Agency (GSA) guideline on travel outside of Iowa.
A wage and classification change was approved for Chris Moessner, a mechanic in secondary roads. A rate increase was approved from $24.89 to $25.37.
Vacancies
The board approved hiring of a paralegal in the county attorney’s office to replace a retiring employee. There were two applicants for the position. The salary is $42,600. Supervisor Richard Primmer had several questions on how the opening was advertised, particularly if it was advertised properly and wide enough. Primmer felt it was a “close-knit” group that made the hiring decision. This also led to observations about the county’s collection department. Primmer voted “no” on the hiring.
The board discussed vacancies in the weed department. They are advertising for CDL drivers for the weed department, which is short-staffed now during spraying season.
The human resources (HR) opening was also discussed, leading to a conversation about how issues are handled now. They also talked about when human resources issues need to outsourced. The county is looking at having Nancy Jorgensen of the auditor’s office take on HR duties.
Other business
The board approved the certified tax suspension list.
A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, June 13, 9:15 a.m. for Joseph and Emily Damaro, for land in Parcel A, Section 7, Jackson Township.
The board approved use of the courthouse lawn for Vinton Park and Rec Department for Party in the Park June 15, 2023, and Halloween Carnival on Oct. 28, 2023.
The board approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Benton County and Virginia Gay Hospital to participate in the 340B Program.
Members were approved for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Advisory Council for Benton County. Service directors will be on the council. EMS was recently named an essential service. A vote is planned this fall. Service members may attend a council meeting if the director can’t attend. A meeting is planned soon.
Judi Hamaker discussed the insurance renewal with Heartland for property insurance.
Jim Magdefrau 