Appointees to be named by Jan. 25.
VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved reinstating the county compensation board at their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, at the service center in Vinton.
In the past the compensation board made recommendations on salaries for the county’s elected officials.
Legislation in July changed and dissolved the compensation board, explained Auditor Hayley Rippel. Reinstating the compensation board is up to the counties. Or they can have the supervisors set the raises for elected officials.
Speaking for County Attorney Ray Lough, David Marsh, assistant county attorney said he wanted the board to know he didn’t think the county needs a compensation board, adding, “He feels like
we’re perfectly capable to advocate for ourselves and our own people.”
Newly elected Supervisor Ron Tippett observed the compensation board doesn’t streamline the process, but it does allow for a representative to advocate for the elected officials.
Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said he is on the fence. “To me it’s just another meeting.”
Tippett made the motion to reinstate the compensation board. The elected officials are to submit their appointees to the supervisors by Jan. 25. Bruce Volz seconded the motion, saying this gives the supervisors more input on this. It was approved, 3-0.
Other business
A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 9:15 a.m. for Paige and Brandon Dullia for land in Section 32, Fremont Township.
The board acknowledged the resignation of a jailer at the sheriff’s office, Dylan Ryder.
Brian Meeker was appointed as medical examiner, as well as eight medical investigators, Elana Janss-Johnson, Tyler Henkle, Braxton Morrison, Kimberly Koeler-Rayman, Katie Stetzel, Amanda Seiler, Mindy Icenbice and David Eilander for a two-year term.
Lynn Schoenmann (SP) was appointed to the Belle Plaine Regional Zoning Board.
Tracey Achenbach of the East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund presented the 2026 budget request. She explained that the trust fund started in the late 1990s. It gives a local voice on where the money goes. Since the program started, they have spent over $1.2 million. Benton County submits a 25 percent local match on this. The request this year is $5,986 to make an application to the state for next year. The supervisors agreed that the county gets a good return on its investment.
Ryan Bevins met with the board on employee benefits renewal through ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties). He said 28 counties participate in this partial self-funded health plan. The overall pool had a very good year. He explained the wellness, dental, life, vision and other benefits. He said the county’s reserves are in a good spot. They also talked about long-term disability. Insurance rates were approved, 3-0.
Joe Kaiser met with the board concerning removal of the easement of Stoney Arch Estates Second Addition Subdivision between Lots 10 and 11. He is with the Stoney Arch Estates Association and talked about access to a farm field. He had concern about heavy farm equipment on that easement. Barb Fetzer of the land use department explained Lots 10 and 11 will have to be re-platted. She said the city also has the right to review a proposed subdivision.
Mark Erickson met with the board on the transportation handbook regarding Christmas Eve. His department worked a half day on Christmas Eve. The board agreed that his two employees can get straight time for this. They also talked about the purchase of two buses. They will probably be paid for in 2027. It takes 18 to 24 months for buses to arrive. They approved ordering the buses.
The board approved the purchase agreement for permanent easement for RCB culvert extension on 61st St. Ln.
The board approved 75 hours of vacation carryover for Engineer Myron Parizek, to be used by May 31.
The board discussed with Parizek the implementation date of a new and revised Benton County Handbook and its effect on several secondary roads employees.
The board also met on tabled action regarding Sick Leave Section 4.3 of handbook (sick conversion).
After discussion, the board approved everything that was previously approved in the handbook, except for Section 4.3 on sick leave, because the county does not know the cost of its implementation. It was a motion by Tippett and Volz. Employees are to get a copy on sign off on by Jan. 24.
Closed session
In the afternoon, the board had a closed session with Benton County Attorney Ray Lough to discuss the purchase sale of particular real estate only where premature disclosure could be reasonably expected to increase the price the governmental body would have to pay for that property or reduce the price the governmental body would receive for that property.
After the session, the board directed Lough to pursue a quiet title action on what is known as the animal shelter property, to ensure clear title to the future owner of the property.
Jim Magdefrau 