By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was a routine meeting for the Benton County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 27, 2024, at the service center in Vinton.

Barb Fetzer of the land use office has a land use hearing set for Tuesday, Sept. 24, 9:15 a.m. for David Kearney, for land in Section 17, Taylor Township.

A land use request made by Zen Reardon was withdrawn. The matter was tabled at the March 5, 2024, meeting. 

A Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Blairstown Sauerkraut Days Beer Tent, Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, was brought before the board. Approval is pending a dramshop review from the state. Without the permit, beer can’t be sold at the Labor Day Weekend event. (The license was officially approved that morning, during the meeting).

The board approved Carrie Boddicker as a part-time custodian at the service center. Her hourly wage is $28.04.

Crystal Northup was hired as a full-time dispatcher at the sheriff’s office. Her hourly wage is $21.92

A fireworks permit was approved for Charles Yedlik on Sept. 1, 2024.

The board met in closed session with Julia Biery of the human resources office. The session was to evaluate the professional competency 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. Biery is the employee and she is requesting the closed session. 

Sue Wilber, human resources director, resigned last week. Biery was her assistant.

In reports, Supervisor Tracy Seeman said the landfill commission is waiting until next year to start a new lagoon. He also talked about cover dirt. 

Seeman also said he researched taking care of military graves. Veterans Affairs has $3,000 budgeted. The VA has paid out $2,230 in previous years. Some counties provide grants. The county will continue to look into this.