By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Land use and financial matters were on the agenda for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at the Benton County Service Center in Vinton.

Land use

A land use change hearing was set for July 7 at 9:15 a.m. for Randy Patten, for land in Section 16, Union Township.

The board approved a farm exemption for Pat Peters for land in Section 8, Canton Township.  This is for a dwelling. 

Other business

The board discussed the Behavioral Health-Administrative System Navigation Location Agreement between Benton County and Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (BH-ASO). Assistant County Attorney Derek Marsh had questions about the agreement, specifically about liability insurance. The agreement was approved. 

The board approved training costs out of the EMS Trust Fund for EMT class for Blairstown First Responders.

Flood insurance renewal was approved. 

The board approved use of the courthouse grounds for the Vinton Cruise Committee on Sept. 19, 2026.

The board and Auditor Hayley Rippel talked about where to post agendas and notices for the public without having to go into the courthouse. The county has to designate a place by July 1.

In public comments, Jon Lee of Save Morgan Valley discussed the proposed power plant near Benton County, and zoning and the utilities commission impact on this. He wants Benton County to become a party in the case so the county has a say in the matter, and not just sign a letter in opposition. Supervisors Chairman Tracy Seeman said that in his research, the only thing Benton County can complain about is the emission. Seeman stressed he is opposed to the project. 

Finances

In finances, the board took the following actions:

Approved FY 27 transfer of funds (Resolution #26-50)

Approved FY 27 Interfund transfers (Resolution #26-51)

Approved Resolutions: FY27 Departmental Appropriations (Resolution #26-52)

Approved FY27 Bank Depositories (Resolution #26-53)

Approved FY27 Officials’ Bank Depository Amounts (Resolution #26-54)