By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was routine business for the Benton County Board of Supervisors as they held their weekly meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, in Vinton.

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 9:15 a.m. for Dave and Paula Weber for land in Section 10, Taylor Township.

The board tabled action on a proposed new electronic payroll/time system.

Tuesday, March 26, 9:30 a.m. will be the hearing date for the 2024-25 budget.

A land use hearing was held for Jeremy and Brooke Higgins for land in Section 25, Harrison Township. They plan to build a single-family dwelling on two acres of land. It has a low corn suitability rating. It was approved unanimously. 

The board approved the law enforcement contract for Newhall. The communities with law enforcement are now all current with their contracts. The contract is $25,350, at 15 hours a week. 

The supervisors approved how terms will be staggered on the new health board. The terms are: 

– Karl Holmes to complete Mangold’s term ending 12/31/2025

– Tai Burkhart to complete Emrich’s term ending 12/31/2025

– Jessica Fairbanks to complete Staab’s term ending 12/31/2025

– Lori Mott to complete Morrison’s term ending 12/31/2024

– Jean Ohlen to complete Michels’ term ending 12/31/2024

A new hire was approved for information technology and systems administrator. Chris Wagner will be full-time with a start time of March 4. The starting salary is $70,000. 

The board discussed Iowa State Association of Counties group benefits insurance renewal forms with Assured Partners. 

The board confirmed bids from February 13, 2024, for letting for bridge replacement project on 16th Ave. (L-CE-0028—73-06). Low bid was from Peterson Contractors Inc., Reinbeck. 

The vice chairman, Gary Bierschenk, was authorized to sign the CDBG funding for Contract Number:13-NDRI-00.

Pictometry plans a spring flight to take aerial pictures in Benton County. They are working on how to budget for this. They are on a three-year schedule. Discussion was held on updating pictures of buildings affected by the derecho, plus the completion of Highway 30 work. The board approved this.

The board approved flood insurance renewal policies, leaving the rate as it is. 

The board approved amending Service Areas 1 and 9 in this year’s budget. 

Veterans Affairs’ Cara Martin presented updates to the GA (General Assistance) Policy and Procedures Manual, focusing on cremation and burials.