By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Jail staffing and land use were the main items for the Benton County Board of Supervisors’ agenda on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025, at the meeting at the Benton County Service Center in Vinton.

Jailer

The hiring of an jailer was discussed, who will replace someone they lost a couple of months ago, according to Josh Karsten, chief deputy. In addition, they’d like to hire a “plus one” jailer help with their staffing levels. Reason for that is one of the jailers is in the National Guard and she’s going to be gone the majority of next year. They’d like to hire someone so they are trained by the time the jailer goes to boot camp. It was pointed out the jail numbers hovered around 20 when Sheriff Dave Upah took office. It is now about 35. They’ve also doubled federal inmates from 10 to 20. This means additional revenue, which they’d like to use to hire a “plus one” jailer. Officials showed they have the revenue for this. The supervisors approved the hiring.

Land use

A land use change hearing was set for Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 9:15 a.m. for Kyle and Alyce Lynch, for land in Parcel A, Section 27, Harrison Township. It was approved.

A farm exemption application was approved for Matthew Wrage for land in Section 27, Monroe Township. He plans to build a home there. 

Land use hearing was held for Dylan and Tiffany Niebes for land in Section 4, Iowa Township. This is for a single-family dwelling two miles north of Belle Plaine. It is not high quality farm land.

Other business

The board approved a utility permit for Interstate Power & Light (Alliant Energy) in Iowa Township. The gas line is being rebuilt in the Belle Plaine area, primarily on Eighth Street, which turns into 78th Street Trail. 

The board set Nov. 25 at 9:30 a.m. for a hearing for FY 26 Budget Amendment No. 2. This will deal with Pioneer cemeteries and some spending authority. 

Robert Spangler discussed getting additional keys for the Historical Preservation office at the service center. The board will work on getting additional keys. Spangler thanked the board for the office space. They also talked about tables and chairs. 

The meeting closed with a discussion on vehicles. A citizen also talked about the risks of battery storage facilities, data centers and eminent domain. He urged the board to not allow these into the county.