By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – A land use change was approved and storage talk for a local utility took place at the Tuesday, May 19, meeting of the Benton County Board of Supervisors in Vinton.

The board approved tax suspension on Parcel #270-21700. 

The board approved hiring Ryan Aarhus as a part-time utility deputy. He’ll start May 26 with starting deputy wage. He is a retired state trooper. 

The board approved a 28E agreement with Dubuque County for a contract with Benton County Collections. Assistant County Attorney Derek Marsh said Dubuque has been a very good source for the collections revenue. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman signed the contract. 

A land use hearing was held for a land use change for Theodore and Lori Burr for land in Section 28, Iowa Township. They sought to change the use of an existing barn on their lot to allow for the addition of living quarters. This is about a quarter mile southeast of Belle Plaine. While it is on high quality farmland, it has not been in production since the 1930s, according Matt Even of the Land Use Office. The board approved the land use change.

Judi Haymaker, Heartland Insurance, presented fiscal year insurance renewals. They explained premiums for equipment breakdown and workmen’s compensation. 

There was discussion on Benton County’s role with the reopening of the Duane Arnold Energy Center. Officials are looking for storage space in Benton County. 

Meeting video