By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Uses for an armored vehicle in Benton County were outlined by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at the Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, meeting with the Benton County Board of Supervisors in Vinton.

A presentation from the sheriff’s department was given on an armored rescue vehicle. Josh Karsten, patrol supervisor of the sheriff’s office, gave the presentation. They are seeking funding from the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) fund. The supervisors eventually approved the request for the vehicle, and tabled action on other requests.

It was stressed that county funding is not used for this.

The price for the Lenco Bearcat G3 is $348,698 with add-ons. He said there are at least 23 armored vehicles throughout the state. It is built for rural terrain that would restrict most vehicles. It is not viewed as a SWAT vehicle. It is used for high risk calls. Recent high risk calls included a standoff on Highway 30 and a barricaded person in Norway. Linn County helped Benton County with their Bearcats. They can also help with crowd and riot patrol, as well as search and rescue. More things are humanitarian aid, rescue, hauling food and water. It can also be used for evacuation. It also provides better response in bad weather. It should last for 25 years. 

The board approved the ARPA request. 

It should be here in December 2025. The supervisors talked about how this might be used by surrounding counties when needed. Sheriff’s officials explained how this will be used differently than the current Rescue 6 emergency vehicle. 

“I just don’t want to see this as the latest and greatest toy,” said Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer.

In public comments, a citizen called in about the armored vehicle, feeling there was not a need for it. 

Primmer said going forward, though the Benton County taxpayers are not paying for it, it will become a Benton County expense.

Other business

The board approved ARPA Committee’s recommendations for allocation funds for approved projects.

Quarterly reports were given for the offices of sheriff, auditor and recorder.

A resolution was approved that removed the following mobile homes from taxation: INFLV55AB3909BJ13, 32976, GE10233330. These are at Timber Ridge. 

The board approved a tax suspension for parcel 170-13200 per 441 Iowa Admin Code 75.52, 427.9, 75.1(29).

The board approved hiring of part-time transportation driver Brad Stainbrook at $16.04/hour.

The board approved hiring Sarah Reiss for the sheriff’s office. She will start Oct. 17.

Rick Grimm was at the meeting for an update on the speed limit at 64th St. A request has been made to the Iowa Department of Transportation for a study.  There are plans to move the “no passing” signs. 

Recycling at the county shed in Shellsburg was discussed. Grimm said it is heavily used and he is concerned that some use it as a dump site, and when it is full, materials get thrown on the ground. 

Grimm also asked about the structure of time with secondary roads employees, which was explained by Engineer Myron Parizek. Grimm also asked about employees using county tools for personal use and if there is a policy for this. They will have the handbook committee look at this.

The board approved a resolution removing the bridge embargo for bridge on 16th Ave. in Cedar Township.

The board signed a plan set for Project BROS-C006(126)–8J-06 (Bridge Replacement on 16th Ave. in Cedar Township).