By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Land use, a new subdivision, holiday hours, wage increases and lighting were the major topics for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, meeting at the service center in Vinton.

Land use

The board set a public hearing for a proposal to assess a property owner for destruction of noxious weeds on Parcel #540-02500. The hearing is Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 9:30 a.m. 

A land use hearing was held for Ben Twedt for land in Section 30, Benton Township. This is four miles east of Vinton. They approved the change after the hearing, as well as a preliminary plat for three lots. A neighbor asked about splitting his property so his daughter could build a house. The board answered they’d have to follow the subdivision process. They also asked about the traffic count for the road there and what it would take to make it hard surfaced. Engineer Myron Parizek said a count is planned next year.

Holiday hours

The courthouse holiday schedule was discussed. The state is closed Wednesday, Nov. 27, Friday, Nov. 29, and Thursday, Dec. 26. If the county follows the state, it would create a ripple effect with secondary roads and the sheriff’s department, observed Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer. The courthouse would be open Monday, Dec. 23, and Friday, Dec. 27. Parizek pointed out that if there is no snow, it would be a holiday. If there is snow, it is considered as overtime. 

No action was taken, as the county will following the handbook. 

Engineer

Wage and classification changes were approved upon one-year employment anniversaries for Ben Wood ($28.76 4C), Caleb Stieferman ($28.76 4C), Will Beranek ($28.76 4C) and Chad Gall ($28.76 4C). 

The board approved removing a embargo for the bridge on 63rd Street in Big Grove Township.

Donation

Sheriff Ron Tippett said Deputy Dave Upah would like to donate the remainder of his sick hours to Marc Merchant. This amounts to 400 hours. Tippett stressed that if one employee wants to help another one out, they should be allowed to do it. It was approved. 

Other business

The board signed a law enforcement contract for Mount Auburn. The contract is the same as last year. 

At the close of the meeting, Parizek was asked by Supervisor Gary Bierschenk what is happening with the number of lights at the Blairstown and Highway 30 corner. Parizek said his last conversation with them involved designation lights on the north side and south side.