By Jim Magdefrau

VINTON – Land use, staffing and licenses were the topics for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at the Benton County Service Center in Vinton.

The board approved hiring Salena Strohecker as a full-time correctional officer. They also approved the employment status change for Cassie Riha. She is now a full-time food service/custodian at the sheriff’s office.

Tax abatements were approved, as recommended by Treasurer Melinda Schoettmer. These are parcels 200-11950, 350-13951, 550-01301 and 550-01651.

A final plat was approved for Darland Addition to Benton County.

The board adopted the Benton County Sheriff’s Courthouse Security Policy.

The board acknowledged the temporary license suspension for Bloomsbury Farm. It was explained that they can’t have two active liquor licenses on one property. They then approved a temporary license for Cedar Ridge Vineyard, who is coming to Bloomsbury Farm for an event. This is a five-day license. Nothing was done wrong, stressed Gina Edler of the auditor’s office. It is just a formality.

In reports, Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said he met with the city administrator of Atkins and council members. as well as a group from Morgan Valley. They talked about the proposed gas plant. They plan to send a letter to the zoning board in Linn County, stating their objections about the possible gas fumes coming across the county line. Assistant County Attorney Derek Marsh will draft a letter for them. The letter will be on the board’s agenda for the Sept. 15 meeting.

Seeman also talked about replacing the soil pipes in the sally port of the sheriff’s office.