Audubon County

The meeting included several administrative actions, such as accepting the resignation of a jailer/dispatcher and approving the hiring resolution for Ethan Bearley as an as-needed Deputy Sheriff. The Board discussed and requested updated quotes for an IT storage space upgrade and the NinjaOne remote work program. Public comment featured updates on the wind turbine project, including upcoming landowner dinners and the start of MET tower installation. The Supervisors reviewed the Supervisor's budget, the Hamlin Feedmill tax abatement, and treasurer's reports. Significant discussion revolved around the ACED agreement, Valley Business Park revenue, and concerns about local economic development control and opportunities for new small businesses. The Board voted to extend the battery/energy storage moratorium until May 1st, 2026, pending further resolutions and a public hearing. They also approved claims totaling $85,284.22. Chairman Grabill provided updates on a Tree Grant contract pending attorney review. Public Health provided updates on Opioid reimbursement fund usage, local homeless population support efforts, recent school illnesses, and an emergency preparedness drill. Snow Fox Discovery presented on their proposed natural hydrogen extraction project, detailing lease agreements with landowners and the potential for local economic benefits through a fertilizer plant. Finally, the Board approved the FY27 budget for Secondary Roads, approved a Utility Permit Application for MidAmerican Gas, and approved a 0% increase on the Supervisor's FY27 Wage Resolution.

The meeting covered several key items, including the approval of the agenda and DNR MMP Annual Updates/Changes for several sites. The Board approved a grant letter of support for new license plate reader cameras for the Sheriff's Department. Discussions included continuing education payments for the Custodian, the purchase of the NinjaOne remote monitoring program for IT support, and updates from the statewide Supervisor meeting regarding legislative issues, property tax concerns, and Veteran's Affairs grants. The Recorder presented the FY27 budget for review, noting revenue concerns compared to the State. The Engineer provided Secondary Roads updates, including the approval of a CDL training agreement for a new employee and a resolution to change Jacob Palmer's position to Crew Leader effective February 2nd, 2026. The Board approved a resolution setting the date for a public hearing concerning a temporary extension moratorium on utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The FY27 Budget review was not fully completed, and an update on the ACED agreement was provided.

The meeting agenda was approved with the addition of discussing the ISAC Wellness Agreement. Updates were provided regarding a Farm Bureau meeting and a recent water outage in Exira, acknowledging the efforts of the EMA Director and Public Health Director. January 2026 reports were accepted, including the Recorder's Report of Fees collected and the Auditor's Month End Reports. Department Heads discussed current payroll software, timekeeping procedures using ESS, and proposed changes to payroll processing days for easier auditing. Quotes were reviewed for the IT Server back-up room, leading to the approval of a contract with American Business Phones. Secondary Roads provided construction and maintenance updates, including approval for the Mockingbird Ave project contract and issues noted with a newly arrived plow truck. Surprise cash counts for the Treasurer's and Recorder's Departments were accepted. Discussion occurred regarding the recodification of ordinances, with the County Attorney to review input from the vendor. Financial topics included the FY27 budget presentation covering debt schedules and tax rate comparisons, and discussion of FY27 wages, noting the Compensation Board's suggested 2.8% increase. The Supervisors also addressed Impoundment Structure applications and approved the removal of a Homestead Tax Credit on an ineligible application.

The Commission reviewed and approved the agenda. Monthly expenditures were approved, with one commissioner abstaining from the vote regarding the replacement of a broken window. The Commission received an update regarding operations and personnel matters.

The Commission approved the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. Monthly expenditures were also approved. An update was provided by Tami Anderson regarding operations and personnel. A motion was passed to close operations on December 24 and December 31. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.