By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Land use and budget matters were dealt with by the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the service center in Vinton.
Attorney
Derek Marsh was appointed as deputy attorney. County Attorney Ray Lough said Marsh has demonstrated that he is more talented than an entry level attorney. Lough felt this was a way to have a long-lasting relationship with Marsh in the county attorney’s office. This was approved by the supervisors.
Land use
A land use change hearing was set for March 31 at 9:15 a.m. for Melissa and Brenden Rule for land in Section 22, Taylor Township.
A land use hearing date was set for March 31 at 9:30 a.m. for Tim and Jaime Whitehead for land in Section 12, Benton Township.
A farm exemption application was approved for Tom Stueck, for land in Section 12, Benton Township.
A land use hearing was held for Cassandra Patava for land in Section 13, Canton Township. This is for a single-family dwelling and shop. This is southeast of Shellsburg. The CSR (corn suitability rating) is low quality. It will not interfere with farming operations in the area. The land use change was approved, as the board saw that it fits within the county’s code.
The board took action on a tabled land use change request from Cameron Erickson for land in Section 36, Canton Township. The CSR reflects it is high quality farm land. It is likely to interfere with farm operations in the area. It would also set a precedent on the removal of high quality farm land from production. The request was found to be inconsistent with the county’s land use policy. Erickson stressed that no quality farmland was being put out of production. He also explained his proposed swapping of land. He is not looking to disrupt any farming. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman pointed that as an elected official, he has to follow the rules. The request was denied.
Supervisor Ron Tippett said the parcel is below 21 acres. This is the criteria used to be a farm. Regardless of how it is divided, it’s all above the CSR in the county’s current land use ordinance. After voting to deny, Tippett advised to keep an eye on current legislation in the statehouse.
Engineer
Benton County Engineer Myron Parizek explained the failed right of way acquisition on bridge replacement on 16th Avenue in Cedar Township. They discussed possible condemnation for this project. A resolution was proposed for condemnation proceedings. Seeman asked about meeting with the land owner to hear their side of the story. Seeman asked to be given a week to visit with the landowner.
Budget
The board looked at a spreadsheet on non-department and outside entity budget requests. The budget requests were approved.
| OUTSIDE AGENCIES PRESENTING BUDGETS | Date Presented to Board | Amount of Asking | Approved Amount | Date approved |
| Riverview | 12/9/25 | $1,500.00 | $1,500.00 | 3/10/26 |
| Eastern IA Housing Trust Fund | 1/6/26 | $5,986.00 | $5,986.00 | 3/10/26 |
| HACAP | 12/16/25 | $81,138.00 | $81,138.00 | 3/10/26 |
| Kirkwood Community Workplace Learning | 12/2/25 | $2,575.50 | $2,575.50 | 3/10/26 |
| Middle Cedar WMA | 12/9/25 | 5,000-8000 | $2,000.00 | 3/10/26 |
| Benton County Volunteers-United Way | 2/3/26 | $20,000.00 | $20,000.00 | 3/10/26 |
| BP Community Center | $6,000.00 | $6,000.00 | 3/10/26 | |
| BDG | 2/10/26 | $100,000.00 | $90,000.00 | 3/10/26 |
Other business
Julie Davidson met with the board on employment of an individual serving the Disability Access Point.
The meeting closed with a discussion on rock and sod in the ditches because of snow removal.
A resolution was amended regarding salaries next fiscal year for elected officials. This corrects the amounts used in the resolution.
The 2025 audit was filed from Eide Baily with the state auditor’s office.
A budget amendment hearing will be held April 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Jim Magdefrau 