By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Action was tabled on the hiring of a new environmental health and land use administrator at their meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, at the service center in Vinton.
The board discussed hiring Andrea Morris for Environmental Health and Land Use Administrator. Morris was recommended by the board of health for environmental health. Starting salary will be $94,000. November 10 is the start date. Barb Fetzer, who is deputy administrator, had concerns about Morris’ lack of experience in wells and septics. She said there is a lot of liability for the county and matters that needed to looked and addressed. Fetzer is planning to retire. Matt Even is technician in the office.
Steve Speidel, who works with wells, also had concerns. Speidel felt the supervisors should have been the ones hiring a new administrator instead of a hiring committee. Derek Marsh, assistant county attorney, was on the hiring committee and felt confident in their choice.
Supervisor Ron Tippett recommended tabling this matter so the supervisors can meet with the health board and the candidate for the job. Marsh felt they could arrange this. The supervisors also want to look at the process of getting certified.
The board set Thursday, Oct. 16, to meet the recommended candidate. After a closed session, the board approved hiring Morris.
Other business
A land use change hearing was set for Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9:15 a.m. for Dennis and Rachel Hearn. This is for land is Section 36, Harrison Township.
A land use change hearing will be Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 9:30 a.m. for Jay Cassill, for land in Parcel B, Section 29, Fremont Township.
John Buhr explained the LOSST (Local Option Sales and Service Tax) Funds request for Garrison Fire for personal safety gear. The board approved paying for 10 percent of this. The total is $96,066.16. The board will reimburse them when they get the official claim.
Cassandra Collins, ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council), met with the board regarding office space at the Benton County Service Center. ASAC serves seven counties. An office in Vinton would provide better access. They are also looking for space in Belle Plaine. No action was taken, but the supervisors appeared to be in favor of having an office in the service center.
Courtney Long presented the Veterans Affairs/General Assistance Quarterly Report and department update.
Members were appointed to the Benton County OPIOID Task force. Appointees are Dan Lagrange, Stephanie Boesenberg, Katie Cox, Shelby Chekal and Josh Karsten. Other board members are Dr. Brian Meeker, Ben Parmater, Grace Petrezelka, James Bieschke, Ray Lough, Hayley Rippel and Cindy Pattee.
Homestead, Military Tax Credits and Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Tax Credits for 2025 Assessment were presented.
The board approved the annual weed commissioner’s report.
Jim Magdefrau 