County board also acts on bridge replacement, sheriff vehicles and emergency services

By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – A program to help those with opioid addiction was approved by the Benton County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the service center in Vinton.

Supervisor Richard Primmer was not at the meeting.

Opioid work

A memorandum of understanding was presented by the Area Substance Abuse Council regarding opioids. County Attorney Ray Lough explained a committee was formed to discuss opioid addiction. The goal is to get something in place that was thoughtful and gave more bang for their bucks. An ASAC program was approved that would bring a care coordinator and a provider to Benton County. This would bring better access to Vinton and Belle Plaine instead of having to work out of Cedar Rapids. This is a one-year program at a cost of $70,000. Benton County will then check to see if they want to do this on a long-term basis. The board approved this. Lough said, “We are excited to get things started.”

Speed limit

Vinton City Administrator Chris Ward met with the board about a speed limit change for the road along Nathan’s Mile Trail. No action was taken on the speed limit. Supervisor Tracy Seeman wanted the city to work with the East Central Council of Governments on a grant for a dirt road. 

Engineer

The board approved the plan set for Project BROS-CO06(124)—8J-06 (RCB Culvert Replacement-Twin Box on 32nd Ave. Dr. in Florence Township).

The board awarded a bridge replacement project BROS-CO06(123)—8J-06 on 26th Ave. Dr in the Iowa Department of Transportation Nov. 19 letting to K Construction Inc. of Elkader. The cost is $454,494.

The board approved a resolution to designate the county engineer to execute the contract for Project BROS-CO06(123)—8J-06.

EMS

The board heard about the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Advisory Council’s funding. The EMS council met to decide how the trust fund will be divided. This includes LaPorte City, Elberon, Hiawatha and Center Point whose services come into Benton County. Services in Benton County are North Benton, Blairstown and Belle Plaine, as well as first responder services in area communities. This was approved on a motion by Seeman and Gary Bierschenk. They will revisit this in November 2025 to see how this is working.

Dan Rammelsberg, Atkins, was appointed to the council.

Other business

The board discussed a bid received for sheriff vehicles. They were looking to replace three SUV’s. A bid was approved from Thys Motor Company, Belle Plaine. The bid is $44,645 each, which includes government discounts. They approved Durangos.

A public hearing was held on a proposal to assess property owner for destruction of noxious weeds on parcel #540-02500. No action was taken, since the owner paid the assessment, but the hearing was held anyway since it was published in the agenda.

The board set a public hearing date for FY 25 budget amendment for Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 9:30 a.m. The main reason is to pay for a patient in juvenile detention. Department heads will be informed if they need any changes to their budgets.