By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Further clarification on the status of the board of supervisors was addressed at the Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, meeting in Vinton.
Sheriff Ron Tippett met with the board on clarifying the board of supervisors’ employment terms. Tippett takes office as a supervisor in January. He wants the term clarified to be a part-time position instead of full-time. He hired a private attorney to research this and its impact on IPERS (Iowa Public Employees Retirement Service), who visited with the board over speaker phone. This led to a discussion on benefits for part-time employees. They looked at a resolution that would state this is an elected part-time position with full-time benefits and to have this in the handbook. They will look into what other counties have in their handbooks. Action was tabled.
The board approved a memorandum of understanding for opioid treatment services with the Area Substance Abuse Council.
The board acknowledged the resignation of Dmitry Nikolaev in the sheriff’s office. His last day is Dec. 30.
The board approved out-of-state training for Mona Onken of social services.
The board accepted Bruce Gapstur’s resignation from the Belle Plaine Airport Regional Zoning Board. This is a six-year term.
The board approved the Wellness Program Agreement between the Iowa State Association of Counties and Benton County
The board approved the contract and waiver for sealcoat improvement project along 74th Street. The interest rate is 3 percent.
The board approved a correction to July 23, 2024, minutes on action regarding the old animal shelter owned by conservation.
Meeting on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024
Clarification update
A resolution that clarifies the board of supervisors employment terms was approved. Sheriff Ron Tippett presented research on part-time supervisors in the Iowa Code.
Tippett retires as sheriff and gets sworn in next month as supervisor. He plans to opt out of IPERS (Iowa Public Employees Retirement System).
Tippett said, “It doesn’t appear, like most of the counties, or any of them, have it in writing. They’re going back to this piece in the code that says it’s allowed. That’s kind of where we’re at.”
To receive through IPERS, it has to be a part-time position.
Tippett added the supervisor position is clarified in the handbook as elected part-time.
Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer observed, “I would feel much more comfortable if we open that up.” He added that if they are going to do it for part-time elected officials, they should not slight the county employees who are not elected.
Primmer said he realized this a “heck of a kick” to the budget.
“We need to treat everybody fairly and equally,” Primmer said.
This led to how this affects township trustees, since they are part-time elected officials. Tippett stressed this is all explained in the Iowa Code in terms of part-time and seasonal employees.
Looking at neighboring counties, Supervisor Tracy Seeman said supervisors are part-time with full benefits in Iowa County. Jones County classifies supervisors as full-time.
Seeman then made a motion to approve the resolution. Supervisor Gary Bierschenk seconded this. It was approved 3-0.
Other business
The board tabled acknowledging the upcoming retirement of Mark Johnson from the sheriff’s office. There is no official date yet.
Changes in the sheriff’s VISA card were discussed and approved. The board approved issuing a new VISA card for the new sheriff.
Jim Magdefrau 