By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Land use change hearings were held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, at the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting at the service center in Vinton.

A land use change hearing was held for Jonathan Kaine and Tasha Ritchart, for land in Section 28, Canton Township. This is for two areas of land for a single dwelling and shop near Shellsburg. The dwelling will need a new septic system and water well. It has a low CSR (corn suitable rating) of 50. The land use change was approved.

A land use hearing was held for Dennis and Barbara Garling for land in Section 21, Iowa Township. This is for one acre of land for an additional single family dwelling on their property. Matt Even of the land use office said the property is just east of Belle Plaine. This is part of a 10.4 acre parcel that is owned by the applicants. It is high quality farmland with a CSR of 85. However, this has not been used for production since the adoption of the agricultural land preservation ordinance. Due to its size and topography, this land is not well suited for farming. They will use the existing driveway. They will also need a new septic system. They will use the existing water well. It was approved unanimously. 

Promotion

The board approved promoting lead communication specialists at the sheriff’s office. The resolution reads:

RESOLUTION #25-75

Promoting Lead Communication Specialists in the Communications Division at the Sheriff’s Office

WHEREAS, the Benton County Sheriff has elected to promote two telecommunicators to the rank of Lead Communication Specialist in the Communications Division at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office; and

WHEREAS, applications have been accepted, and interviews have been completed for said positions; and

WHEREAS, the Sheriff recommends Kyla Buttikofer, who has been employed with Benton County since 05/01/1999, and Alyssa McAtee, who has been employed with Benton County since 02/22/2022 are the most qualified candidates for these positions;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Supervisors that Kyla Buttikofer and Alyssa McAtee be approved for this promotion effective September 16, 2025.

Signed this 16th day of September 2025.

Other business

The board approved the filing of the Urban Renewal Report with the Department of Management.

The board approved use of the courthouse for Vinton Unlimited on Nov. 20, 2025.

Employee evaluations were held in closed session for Ben Turnis of Information Technology and Engineer Myron Parizek. 

A closed session was held, pursuant to 21.5(1)a: to review or discuss records which are required or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a condition for that governmental body’s possession or continued receipt of federal funds. 

In reports, supervisors and the auditor talked about the all-employee training meeting held the day before. They also had a tour of conservation sites in the county on Monday, Sept. 15. Most discussion centered on the roundhouse in Atkins. 

Meeting video