By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was routine business for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Nov. 21 at the service center in Vinton.

The board tabled the appointment of members to the board of health. Action is planned after their 1 p.m. meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The board approved the Tier 2 Canvass of the Nov. 7 school and city election.

Sue Wilber, human resources, discussed the new flex spending account and Auxiant renewal. The new account will save $12,000 over three years.

She also received approval for a human resources budget amendment for legal fees. The board also approved her request to create a line item for this in the budget. The next budget amendment will be in the spring.

The board acknowledged Marc O’Brien’s retirement from secondary roads. He’s been with secondary roads for 21 years.

The board approved the wage and classification change for Chris Moessner, secondary roads mechanic. This is his one-year increase. His wage will be $27.92 per hour.

The board discussed the holiday schedule. They will check to see what the state is doing with their court hours. Christmas Day is Monday. The court is taking off Tuesday, Dec. 26. A decision will be made at the Dec. 5 meeting.

The board approved the hiring of an assistant county attorney, Patricia Lipski,to fill a vacancy in the office. The starting salary is $80,000.

Sheriff Ron Tippett opened bids for sale of several sheriff vehicles. Submitting the bids was James Primmer. Supervisor Richard Primmer abstained.

Jerry Greif discussed code enforcement for someone who was dumping. He said he has contacted the county 39 times and questioned why it took so long to enforce. Tippett said they have been given an opportunity to clean this up. Some objects remain.

The engineer had the board sign the final IDOT Voucher for Bridge Replacement Project BRS-SWAP-CO06(114)—FF-06.

The board approved law enforcement contracts with Garrison, Luzerne and Van Horne. Primmer suggested that word go out to the communities at budget time that the contract has to go up. It is $32.50 per hour. Tippett said this does not cover costs. Van Horne is for 15 hours a week. Garrison is three hours per week. Luzerne’s is for one hour.

The board approved the Veterans Affairs quarterly report.

Vacation carry over was approved for Ben Turnis, IT Director. He has 25.5 hours vacation time to be used by April 30, 2024.

In public comments, Doug Cook, Vinton, had questions about the dirt from Cedar Rapids coming into the Benton County Landfill. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman suggesting checking with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources or the landfill manager.