By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2025, at the service center in Vinton.

Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Dave Upah gave an update on the hiring of five deputies and jail administrator. He said they have selected five deputies they’d like to bring on to the department. The board also approved promoting Russell “Rusty” Denison as jail administrator. 

Auditor Hayley Rippel said some counties are moving some of their deputies from general basic into the rural levy. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman felt two deputies could be moved into the rural levy.

Upah also talked about the cities’ reactions to the increase of law enforcement contracts. The rate has been doubled to $65 per hour. Upah felt every one was receptive about it, realizing the can had been kicked down the road for several years.

Upah concluded with an update on a step that is broken in front of the law enforcement center. 

The resolution reads as follows.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY The Benton County Board of Supervisors that the following be hired to fill the positions for Deputy Sheriff at different rates according to their years of experience.

• Tiffany DeBoer at a starting hourly rate of $35.18 and after July 1, 2025. that rate will increase to $36.59 with an effective start date of February 28, 2025.
• Jordan Hoeppner at a starting hourly rate of $34.24 and after July 1, 2025 that rate will increase to $35.61 with an effective start date of March 10, 2025.
• Joshua Jones at a starting hourly rate of $34.24 and after July 1, 2025 that rate will increase to $35.61 with an effective start date of March 17, 2025.
• Logan Garwood at a starting hourly rate of $32.42 and after July 1, 2025 that rate will increase to $33.71 with an effective start date of March 19, 2025.
• Augustus Joyce at a starting hourly rate of $30.42 and after July 1, 2025 that rate will increase to $31.64 with an effective start date of March 24, 2025.

Tech team

ICIT Tech Team Preliminary report was given in closed session pursuant to Iowa Code 21.5(1)(k). They discussed information contained in records in the custody of a governmental body that are confidential records pursuant to Section 22.7, subsection 50. 

Other business

The board approved the Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Bloomsbury Farm.

Courtney Long, Veterans Affairs director, discussed care of graves. Benton County pays $5 per grave each year. She gave a list of veterans buried in Benton County and copies of invoices paid. There is no law requiring the county pay for this, as that code section has been repealed. She has received one invoice this year. The supervisors suggested a budget of $3,000 for care of graves. It is currently $1,500. Seeman suggested having a form for providing care.

Myron Parizek, engineer, discussed interest rates for 32nd Ave sealcoat project. He plans to have it in the 2026 budget. He also asked about the terms they had on the project. They are now looking at 3 percent, but have not decided how long they have to pay this. The Code allows it go up to 10 years. Benton County usually goes with five years on these projects. It would be just under $10,000 per property owner for the project, Parizek said. With 41 participants, this would be the largest type of project the county has done. The county is paying for half of the project. After discussion, the board approved 3 percent for seven years for terms.

Phil Borleske and Allison Hicks, Benton County Historical Preservation Commission, discussed their group’s annual report. They stress education and public outreach in their report to the state. A major activity was a flea market. She said they are always looking for properties to add to the National Register. They also talked about putting up signs for historical sites. 

Meeting video