By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Fremont Township officials met with the Benton County Board of Supervisors on repairing the township hall. The supervisors met Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, at the service center in Vinton

Township hall

Andy Jones met with the board regarding the Fremont Township Hall. He is clerk of the township, and he brought the township trustees. The building was damaged by the derecho four years ago. Peters Construction was selected to make necessary repairs to the building in Atkins. Jones said they need temporary funding to finance the building until they get money from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). They have approved state and federal funding of $440,000. To date they have received $92,000 for roof repair and the initial cleanup of the building. The amount that is yet to be reimbursed is $347,000. Contracts are in place to abate the asbestos and lead-based paint and to complete the work. They have $450,000 in insurance. The total cost is $449,000, which includes engineering and architectural fees.

Jones was wondering how they can borrow money. 

Auditor Hayley Rippel said it could be done. First the county would need to get the spending authority. The county would then get paid back when FEMA reimburses the township. A budget amendment is needed. She also said they need to decide what fund can be used for this. They discussed the (LOSST) Local Option Sales and Service Tax.

Jones said they hope to be done by the end of March. It is mostly interior work that can be done during the winter.

Rippel said she’d like to do a little more research on this. The supervisors indicated they’d be in favor of this. It was also suggested working with the Department of Management, as well as checking on a 28E agreement with the county attorney.

Jones estimated they would need $350,000 in loan money.

Action is expected at the Sept. 10 meeting.

Other business

Deputy Auditor Alisha Burmeister met with the board regarding the mileage/meal reimbursement policy. She’d like to bring this up with department heads on what works best. They also discussed hotel claims. Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer agreed this needs to go back to the department heads to be simplified. It was also noted handbook changes can’t go into effect until all sign off on them.

Gina Edler presented a letter of support to be signed for the Center Point-Urbana FFA Alumni Greenhouse. She is with the FFA alumni group. She is working on grants for this and getting letters of support. The board approved signing the letter of support. They have $25,000 so far.

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, Oct. 1, 9:15 a.m. for Chad Albert for land in Parcel A, Section 27, Canton Township.

The law enforcement contract with Norway was approved. The contract is for 520 hours for the year for $16,900.