By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday, Nov. 18, at the Benton County Service Center in Vinton.
Wellness
The Wellness Committee talked with the board about having a Wellness Day again. They held a drawing for $500 for Wellness participation. This comes from the Iowa State Association of Counties as an incentive to participate. They can’t force anyone to participate. They also talked about an insurance discount for next year. The board was in favor of incentives for next year.
Engineer
Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek discussed a speed limit east of Van Horne. The board approved the resolution for traffic signs east of Van Horne.
The resolution reads: The Board of Supervisors is empowered under authority of Sections 321.255 and 321.285 subsection 4 of the Code of Iowa to determine upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that the speed limit on any secondary road is greater than is reasonable and proper under the conditions existing, and may determine and declare a reasonable and proper speed limit, and such investigation has been completed by the Benton County Engineer’s Office.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Benton County Board of Supervisors that a speed limit be established and appropriate signs erected at the location described as follows:
Secondary road 70th Street (E44), starting 0.5 mile west of 22nd Avenue, then west 1000 feet, 45 MPH.
He also received permission to attend the NACE Conference in Texas.
Land use
A land use change hearing was held for Dennis and Rachel Hearn for land in Section 36, Harrison Township. The board approved the change.
A land use hearing was held for Jay Cassill for land in Parcel B, Section 29, Fremont Township. This will be for auto sales between Atkins and Newhall on Highway 30. The board approved the request. There is an existing building on the property.
Abatements
Several tax abatements were approved.
The board approved Resolution 25-94, Abatement of Taxes on parcel 540-00810, and Resolution 25-93, Abatement of Taxes on Parcel numbers 660-22430 and 900-05775.
Opioid committee
The opioid committee update was given to the board. They are looking into a nurse for the law enforcement center, helping to deal with insurance and health matters using the opioid settlement money. They now have a part-time nurse. Officials said it should save money for the county.
11/20/2024 $70,000 ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council) – Care navigator position.
2/5/2025 $7,500 Foundation 2 – Homeless Support Kits; $4,850 Foundation 2 – Transportation assistance
3/26/2025 $59,800 Virginia Gay Hospital – Suboxone funds for 10 individual (clinic capability)
4/29/2025 $10,000 Committed for VISA Card for Benton County Jail-Re-allocated on 11/12/2025 for Jail Nurse. Wraparound transportation for specific jail related
8/27/2025 $50,000 – Benton County Jail – Nurse in jail and to offset Inmate Treatment costs; $1,215 Safe RX – Prescription locking bottles
10/1/2025 $35,000 ASAC – Care navigator position partly funding for FY 27
$15,398 Virginia Gay Hospital. CPI Training for 2 de-escalation. Can in return train others
11/12/2025 $15,000 Benton County Jail – Additional funds. This is to fund a full-time nurse through ACH who sheriff contracts with currently
Total Committed – $268,763
Total Received so far: $278,105.32
Expected to receive up to $480,000 before these settlements are all said and done
Other business
Shirley Coles discussed office space in Belle Plaine for youth services.
Vacation carryover was approved for Ben Turnis, information technology.
The board approved the Tier 2 Canvass of the city/school election.
Jim Magdefrau 