By Jim Magdefrau
VINTON – Culverts, maintenance and plumbing were topics for the Benton County Board of Supervisors at their meeting Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Benton County Service Center, Vinton.
The board approved Resolution #26-79, which enters Benton County into a 28E agreement with the City of Elberon pursuant to Iowa Code 422D(6)(2) for utilizing EMS Trust Fund.
The board approved the auditor’s quarterly report.
The board acknowledged the resignation of Salena Strohecker, full-time sheriff employee.
The board acknowledged the retirement of Dawn Markland, sheriff communications employee. They also approved the early retirement incentive pursuant to Resolution #24-3. Her last day is April 30, 2027.
The board discussed hiring a full-time maintenance employee in place of a vacant jail position. Sheriff David Upah pointed out there are a lot of things that need done at the 15-year-old facility. They need someone who knows the system. Supervisors asked about this being a part-time position. The board felt this was worth exploring.
The board approved hiring Pipe Pro at labor and materials rate for plumbing project at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
The board approved the sheriff’s quarterly report ending Sept. 30, 2026.
The board changed the reimbursement amount to Gabe McGowan of secondary roads for safety glasses.
The board approved the federal aid agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for County Highway Bridge Program Project. This is for a bridge on 33rd Ave., one-fourth of a mile south of Highway 30. They are looking at a twin box culvert. Benton County will be reimbursed 100 percent, according to Engineer Myron Parizek.
The board approved Resolution #26-80: Temporary Road Closure for RCB Culvert Replacement.
The meeting closed with the board discussing light poles in the unincorporated community of Watkins.
