By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – A land auction, aerial photography and a budget overview for BDG (Benton Development Group) were among the topics of business for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, in Vinton.

Pictometry

The board discussed the contract with Pictometry with Assessor Larry Andreesen. The contract is for six years, at $56,156 a year. Detailed aerial pictures are taken of the county. Imagery is used for dispatch, land use department, assessor, auditor, and is also uploaded to Beacon for all to see. A lower flight is used for better accuracy and clearer pictures. Chairman Tracy Seeman mentioned he wanted to go with a six-year agreement because it is locked in a cheaper amount, and to have at least 25 percent of this come out of tax relief.

BDG

Kate Robertson, BDG director, presented the BDG budget for next fiscal year. Also present were BDG members Greg Walston and Janelle Jack. Robertson said BDG took a $20,000 cut last year, which led to eliminating all of their marketing efforts. She also hasn’t had a raise in four years. BDG’s Walston stressed it is time to give appropriate raises to people who hard work.  They are working to bring more business and money into Benton County. He feels BDG is worth the value.

Robertson said, “I’m working with the communities just to help them build up their main streets and their downtowns. Sometimes I feel like I’m a real estate agent showing buildings, trying to get new ideas within the little city limits.” They also work on getting more people to live in Benton County.

County land sale

A public hearing was held for accepting and opening bids for the sale of the county-owned land that used to be an animal shelter. The bids were opened as follows:

• Travis Thompson-$11,000
• Max Wehage-$14,000 (not present)
• John Ketchen-$10,000
• Samuel Reicks-$12,500
• Roger Uthoff-$11,100 (not present)
• Chris Lacey-$10,000
• Brenon Hennigsen-$12,000
• Debra McKibben-$13,000 (not present)
• Randy Patten-$11,000

After an auction, the highest bidder was Chris Lacey in the amount of $37,000. The board approved the bid.

Engineer

Quotes were accepted and approved for a new semi tractor for the secondary roads department. Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek read the quotes. They approved the quote of $106,603 from Truck Center Western Star.

They discussed the road maintenance agreement with ITC Midwest. Parizek said the agreement states ITC will fix any damage done to county roads as they work on power lines.

The board discussed the 30th Ave. Road Improvements with the City of Urbana. They are looking to do an HMA overlay from Highway 150 south a half mile. The estimated cost is $360,000. The city asked the county if they would be willing to participate in this. Seeman said preferred to have it oiled and chipped again, offering them $30,000 for seal coat, or up to $63,000 for asphalt. The board approved offering them sealcoat or asphalt. Urbana planned a public hearing that evening. 

Other business

An exempt session was held for a strategy meeting, according Chapter 21 of the Iowa Code.

Budget talk included having a work session before the budget hearing. They plan a session on Tuesday, Feb. 17, after the regular meeting. 

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, March 3, at 9:15 a.m. for Cameron Erickson, for land in Section 36, Canton Township.

Walford First Responders representative Cortez Davis was named to the EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Advisory Council.

Supervisor Ron Tippett was not at the meeting.

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