By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors had a discussion if the position of county supervisor is part-time or full-time, at the Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, meeting at the service center in Vinton.

Resolution on supervisors

Benton County Attorney Ray Lough presented a resolution clarifying the Benton County Board of Supervisors employment terms. Lough stressed the resolution doesn’t change anything. It puts it in the county’s current practice. It addresses hours to be worked and insurance benefits to be received. These are not specified in the current handbook. 

Lough read the resolution at the request of former Auditor Jill Marlow. She asked if this resolution doesn’t change anything, why are they doing this? They also discussed if the position is a full-time or part-time position.

Ron Tippett, retiring sheriff and future supervisor, said he requested clarification on this and its impact on IPERS (Iowa Public Employees Retirement System). Some counties see this as full-time. Other counties see it as a part-time position. Though the board has one meeting a week for the supervisors, they take phone calls all week and serve on other related boards.

The board tabled this so they can look into the impact of IPERS and workmen’s compensation. 

Other business

The board approved the purchase of two tandem axle dump trucks for secondary roads. The board approved a quote from Truck Center Companies, Waterloo, for two Freightliners. The cost is $557,408 for the two trucks and equipment. This comes from the next fiscal year’s budget.

The board set the interest rate on installment payments for the sealcoat improvement project to 74th street. The board approved a rate of 3 percent. 

Engineer Myron Parizek requested approval for out of state travel for the NACE Conference in April 2025, in Schaumburg, IL. 

The board heard a request to donate sick leave hours to a fellow employee. The donation was from Sheriff’s Deputy David Upah to Bonnie Ehlinger, office administrator for the sheriff’s office.

Mona Onken of Social Services met with the board on putting Michelle Sutton’s hours at a maximum of 30 hours a week. She also gave a Wellness update. 

John Elwick met with the board regarding a wildlife refuge next to his property. This is land that is up for auction by the conservation department. 

Meeting link