By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors approved helping with funding for an emergency vehicle at their meeting Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the Benton County Service Center, Vinton.

Florence Township Trustees discussed purchase of a vehicle with LOSST (Local Option Sales and Service Tax) funds. The funds are for an off-road rescue vehicle, side by side, and related equipment. The board approved up to $7,694.94, which is 10 percent of the cost. Marj Becker of the fire department said this will help with blizzards and muddy fields. It will also have fire suppression and a place for a stretcher when they can’t get there by ambulance. Stuart Towe was at the meeting for the Florence Township Trustees. 

Other business

Out-of-state training was approved for medical examiner investigator David Eilander. The training is in St. Louis.

The board approved the first tier canvass of the special Benton Community school election. They also acknowledged post-election audit findings from the election. 

The board met with Melinda Schoettmer, treasurer, on office closure on April 4 and 5 for Drivers License and April 18 and 19 for the Motor Vehicle side of the office. The office is getting new counters.

The board approved use of the courthouse lawn for Vinton Cruise Committee on Sept. 21, 2024.

Human Resources Director Sue Wilber met with the board on the  HR job description. This has been reviewed by the county attorney. The board approved the description.

Shelby Williams, of Benton County Conservation, talked about the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) canopy agreements and public notice. She also discussed the impact of a natural gas line going through one of the county’s parks.