By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – A proposed power plant that could neighbor Benton County prompted concerns from Benton County residents at the Tuesday, March 31, 2026, meeting of the Benton County Board of Supervisors.

Jane Scheer met with the board regarding the Morgan Valley Energy Center. She resides at Maple Grove Farm with her husband. She is concerned about the center, which has been proposed by Alliant to be built on the Benton/Linn County line at the intersection with Highway 30.  Their home is across the road from the proposed center. 

Scheer said there are a lot of unanswered questions. She spoke of the impact of pollution through air, light, sound, and smell 24 hours a day. This has a 10-mile impact radius, Scheer said. 

She asked what Benton County is going to do about this threat. The impact does not stop at the county line, she stressed. 

A neighbor talked about the lack of baseline data for air and temperature, and if the county would help with monitoring at neighboring residences. Another neighbor pointed out the site is just 30 yards from Benton County. He asked for a resolution against the study. 

Another neighbor questioned why residents from Benton County weren’t informed of the proposal, asking, “What happened to good neighbors?” 

They also talked about the impact on emergency services in Benton County. 

The City of Atkins Manager Scott L. Flory said he was surprised where the location of the plant might be. There was no reaching out to Benton County and its communities. He has invited Alliant to attend a council meeting to give more information.

Benton Supervisors Chairman Tracy Seeman said he was not happy after attending an Alliant meeting. He said he has some things he wants to try. He felt Alliant was not forthcoming. “There’s too many questions here to give them a green light,” Seeman stressed. 

People were urged to contact the Iowa Utilities Commission. 

Other business

The public hearing for the 2027 budget will be April 21 at 9:30 a.m.

A utility permit was approved for ECI REC in Fremont Township.

Emergency Medical Services claims were approved.

Seeman gave a report on the Vinton Airport. Seeman said he learned at a Vinton City Council meeting that it costs $127,000 to run the airport and they only bring in $99,000. The city is interested in a 28E agreement with the county to help with the airport.  

A resolution from Riverview Center was approved proclaiming Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

They discussed Iowa Primary Care’s request for office space for a system navigator. 

A land use change hearing was held for Melissa and Brendan Rule in Section 22, Taylor Township. Written concerns from a neighbor were read regarding property lines and possible encroachment. The change was approved, based on the parameters the board has. A dispute over property lines is not a part of the process. Seeman voted against it. 

A variance to the subdivision ordinance was approved for Kelsey Herren. 

Meeting video