By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – It was routine business for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025, at the service center in Vinton.

The board discussed the  FY26 Service Agreement with ISAC (Iowa Association of Counties) for the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) Program. 

This deals with handling of public records and what is public and what is not public.  Auditor Hayley Rippel said the county has done this for quite some time. She added the county attorney’s office might lead the training in the future.

The board acknowledged Steve Miller’s resignation from the transportation department.

The board approved Abatement of Taxes on Parcel Number 050-09000 and Parcel Number 830-01200.

The board discussed a donation of art from the Iowa Braille School to be put on display in the courthouse.

The board discussed an all-employee meeting date and time, and closing county facilities to the public for that meeting. It will be in the third floor courtroom. This is Monday, Sept. 15 from 8 to 10 a.m. A conservation visit will take place afterwards. The meeting includes harassment training, HIPPA, wellness, recognition of years of service, and flex spending.

The board approved payment of bills from the Emergency Medical Services fund. These include $4,830 for North Benton Ambulance, $194.13 for Urbana/Polk Township for vehicle equipment, $25,877.45  to Atkins First Responders for a First Responder vehicle, and $5,611.43 for Belle Plaine Ambulance medical supplies. 

Reports included a juvenile detention lawsuit, HACAP, speed limits on gravel roads to reduce dust, Eastern Iowa Housing Trust Fund, and East Central Iowa Council of Governments, which is working on a grant to check for lead in older houses. This is for houses built in 1978 or older.