By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Action on human resources was made by the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, meeting at the service center in Vinton.
Human Resources
The board addressed the status of Julia Biery in the Human Resources Department.
She was hired as an intern to former Human Resources Director Sue Wilber. Wilber resigned earlier this year. Benton County Attorney Ray Lough said she is doing a good job. He said they have worked out a scenario where the auditor and human resources can work together. The board can decide what they want to do with human resources in the interim. He talked about adjusting her wage and a change in title.
Lough said she will manage wellness, retention, recruiting, interviewing, and assist with worker’s compensation claims. She will also help with employee reviews.
Supervisor Tracy Seeman suggested having her work three days a week at an hourly wage of $21, not to exceed 28 hours. The board approved, 3-0.
In the job description, Lough said she would work under the direction of the board. Sheriff Ron Tippett suggested she work under the direction of the auditor.
Lough explained they wanted to keep her part-time, but they also wanted to increase her hours. She has another job and is going to school.
Lough also discussed the dismissal of the Kirsten Nelson lawsuit. She was human resources director before Sue Wilber. The board approved signing the dismissal.
Mental health
Mae Hingtgen met with the board regarding HHS (Health and Human Services) Behavioral Health District Realignment. There were 13 mental health and behavioral districts in the state. The governor’s proposal reduced this down to seven districts. The biggest change is the geographical realignment. Hingtgen stressed the changes in boundaries are only geographical for administration. The services will remain the same. Benton County may still get services from Linn County.
The new map was released on Aug. 1. Three counties in the current region will no longer be in that region. These are Benton, Iowa and Bremer Counties. Benton and Iowa Counties will be with other counties in Southeastern Iowa, instead of East-Central Iowa.
Hingtgen also gave the list of priorities for the year. The main priorities include realignment and to take care of people in the current nine area counties.
Other business
Benton County Attorney Ray Lough received approval for quit claim deed for a one-acre parcel in Eden township. It was a one-room school. It will go back to the owner of the original parcel, which puts it back on the tax rolls, and can be used again for farmland. It will go Heitshusen Farms LLC.
A budget amendment hearing was set for Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m. for the current fiscal year.
The board approved the Benton County 2024 Urban Renewal Report.
A Class C Retail Alcohol License was approved for Apres Bar Company.
A fireworks permit was approved for Daniel Marovets for October. 26, 2024
An update was given on a credit card for the human resources director. A new card has been issued was requested by Auditor Hayley Rippel. The limit was lowered from $6,000 to $1,500.
The board approved the promotion of Derek Marsh to full-time assistant county attorney.
Former Auditor Jill Marlow met with the board regarding the handbook and vacation days for new employees, as well as parental leave. Marlow also requested the financial analysis and the impact on the budget. Department heads are working on this and they hope to have something in place by Jan. 1.
Jim Magdefrau 