By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Options for juvenile detention were viewed by the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at the Benton County Service Center, Vinton.
Juvenile detention
Cassie Ruth of Central Iowa Juvenile Detention met with the board about Benton County become a member through a 28E agreement. Ruth explained Benton County is a former member. If Benton County joins they would have voting rights on the board. The rate would be the same, based on the recent census. The rate is $175 a day.
Benton County Attorney Ray Lough had several questions on determining the fee. To be a member, Benton County needs to pay a one-time fee of $25,000 to be a board member, which includes voting on setting the fee.
Ruth stressed they are trying to be better overall. She will work with the county if they have questions. No action was taken.
Land use
A land use hearing was held for John and Leslie Fessler for land in Section 35, Harrison Township. This is for a single family dwelling of 5.5 acres. It is not considered high-quality farm land. It used to be a farmstead, so it should not interfere with farm operations in the area. The land use change was approved.
A land use hearing was held for Dan Wirtanen for land in Section 15, Fremont Township. This is for a campground and shop on 3.5 acres of land. It will start with five camp sites with potential to expand up to 15 sites, based on land and water availability. It is next to Atkins. It will have water and sewer hookups. There are no plans for a bath house or dump station at this time. The proposed shop will support the concrete and tree service as well as an events center. It is not high-quality farm land. The request is consistent with the land use policy. Poweshiek Water will provide water. It will use a septic system.
A neighbor talked with the board about drainage and tiling in the area impacting his farm field. There was also concerns about control of fires and trash, and other issues that could come down the road, such as campers understanding neighboring farm operations. Wirtanen stressed he’d be there to patrol the area. It is anticipated the sites could be used by data center workers.
The supervisors unanimously approved the land use change. Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman noted that Wirtanen takes care of his property.
Other business
A 28E agreement was approved with the City of Urbana for law enforcement. Seeman said the only thing disappointing to him was they are not thinking in the future of having their own law enforcement. It is $50,000 for the whole year. The county will get a Tahoe and equipment from the former police department.
Jacob Golstine was hired as a full-time clerk in the auditor’s office. He will start on Oct. 5.
Bank changes were approved, changing MidWest One Bank’s name to Nicolet National Bank.
The 2025-26 annual urban renewal report was approved.
The board approved the amended date for the Cruise Committee to use the courthouse law on Sept. 26.
They acknowledged the resignation of Josh Svoboda from secondary roads. This is effective Oct. 2 and is for the Belle Plaine area.
The board approved hiring Andrew Allsup as a part-time mechanic with secondary roads. His pay is $24 per hour. He is a student who hopes to be full-time when he graduates.
Jamie Toledo of ITC Midwest met with the board. She is a regional manager. They maintain transmission lines.
