By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was a short agenda for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting, Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at the service center in Vinton.

Sarah Wagner received approval for the relief department’s use of a credit card with a set limit of $1,000.

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, Oct. 24, 9:15 a.m., for David Wilson, for land in Section 13, Homer Township.

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

Taxes were abated for the City of Blairstown #050-06550.

The board amended Resolution 23-38 to 23-67 for Veterans Affairs office hours. The director is to work a minimum of 20 hours and up to 40 hours, excluding any extended time off due to vacation or illness.

Sue Wilber, human resources director, had the board accept the resignation of Hayley Pringle, correctional officer, effective Sept. 15. They approved the hiring of Pat Jorgensen, part-time courthouse security, for $21.08 per hour, and 20 hours a week.

Darren Stein, weed commissioner, met with the board regarding the purchase of a truck bed/body. It will be a multi-use vehicle and can be used for spraying.

Rick Wood, maintenance, discussed bids for the courthouse basement floor. He had three quotes. A quote was approved from Claussen Painting of Monticello.

A closed session was held, pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)i. To evaluate the professional competence of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual’s reputation and that individual requests a closed session.

Supervisor Richard Primmer gave a report on Central Iowa Juvenile Detention. He said the escalation of detention has skyrocketed since 1995 and it is for “serious stuff.”

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman reported the new cell at the landfill is about done and needs to be fenced. They are waiting for the Department of Natural Resources to inspect it before they give the thumps up that the county may use it. They hope to have it open for the middle of October. Seeman also looked at the shop at Hannen Park. The board hopes to take a tour of this on Oct. 9.

Seeman also gave a report on the Emergency Management Agency. They will seek applications in January for a director. They hope to have a new director by April, so the current director, Scott Hansen, can train the new director for three months.

September 26 meeting