By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors dealt with turbine disposal, animal control and other items at their meeting Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at the service center in Vinton.

Clarification

The meeting opened with a clarification of minutes from June 10 and 17, 2025 meetings, which dealt with demolition of turbines. 

The motion was clarified to state, “The use is inconsistent with the purpose of ordinance 24. The purpose use is an incompatible use that could materially alter the stability of the overall land use pattern in the area. The proposed use would have, no doubt, impacted adjacent property owners whether the impact be in the property values, farming operations, overall enjoyment of the land. I do believe that the gentleman will be successful in the marketing of their property, but I do not believe the project is a good project for Benton County.” This was read by Supervisor Ron Tippett. 

The motion continued, “Volz adding that based on what he’s heard today, he didn’t believe that it would be the way to do it and he seconded the motion.” Volz is a fellow supervisor. 

The clarification was approved for the June 10 and 17 meetings. 

Other business

The board accepted the replat of Lot 14, Raue Jomesa Estates to Benton County, in Section 32, Benton Township. A replat was approved so a building can be built. 

The board acknowledged the resignation of Zackary Fiser from the sheriff’s office.

Hearings were set for July 15, July 22 and July 29 at 9:30 a.m. for amending Ordinance 37 (animal protection and control) at the service center.

In a related matter, Victoria Cole was appointed as a special prosecutor to serve Benton County regarding Ordinance 37.

Allison Hicks met with the board regarding a CLG (certified local government) grant for the historical preservation commission. The grant was to be used for a workshop in August. Last week they received a stop order from the state because federal funding did not come through. She said the options are to put everything on hold or terminate their contract with the state. She added registrations are already coming in for the workshop. The contract was for $1,230. The board was in favor of terminating the contract. Action is planned at the next supervisors’ meeting on July 1. 

Meredith Runge met with the board on Vinton Area Substance Abuse Council using a room a few hours a week at the county’s service center. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said it depends on where they want to be located. The board felt they could make this work.

A memorandum of understanding was discussed for DAP (Disability Access Point) and asset transfer to District 7 in mental health. There was considerable discussion on the county’s role in mental health services as counties are put into new districts. The board considered taking this up at a special meeting on Friday in the courthouse. The meeting is in the auditor’s office at 3 p.m.

Tax abatements were approved for two mobile homes. These are in Timber Ridge. They were torn down and disposed of. Abatement gets them off the records. 

Mark Phippen was reappointed to the Civil Service Commission.

Fund and inter-fund transfers were approved. They also approved appropriations, depositories and depository amounts.