Benton County

The Board of Supervisors addressed several administrative and fiscal matters, including the approval of claims, payroll, and budget allocations for the upcoming fiscal year. Key resolutions involved the appointment of a deputy county attorney and the correction of previously amended salary resolutions for elected officials. The board also acknowledged the filing of the annual fiscal audit and scheduled future budget amendments and land use hearings. Additionally, the board held hearings on land use changes, approving one request while denying another, and reviewed potential condemnation proceedings for a bridge replacement project. Updates were provided regarding regional disability access services and inter-departmental board meeting reports.

The meeting addressed several resolutions and departmental matters. Key actions included adopting Resolution #26-9, amending a previous resolution to approve an Emergency Services Gift not to exceed $9,705.56 to the Garrison Fire Department for new gear/equipment. The board authorized a $2,500.00 credit limit for a county credit card for the Environmental Health and Land Use Department and approved the creation of a seasonal position within that department, along with approving its Annual Report. A plan to amend jail fee structures was adopted via Resolution #26-10, effective March 1, 2026, which established new Room and Board fees ($75.00/day) and Administrative Fees ($75.00/booking). Furthermore, Resolution #26-11 was approved to hire Rebekah Cripe and Michelle Wirtz as full-time Office Secretaries in the Sheriff's Office Civil Division, effective March 4, 2026. The board also approved tax suspension on specific parcels and authorized the Historic Preservation Commission's Annual Report. Reports included updates on the Solid Waste Commission's engineering contract and discussion regarding a watershed pond issue.

The meeting involved several key organizational actions and approvals for the upcoming year. The Board appointed a Chairman and Vice-Chairman for 2026. Resolutions were approved authorizing the Auditor (Resolution #26-1) and the Treasurer (Resolution #26-2) to issue checks and sign ACH agreements for 2026. A discussion was held regarding the regulation of accessory dwelling units following the implementation of Senate File 592. The Board denied participation in the Construction Evaluation Resolution for 2026. Additionally, the general schedule for regular board meetings for 2026 was confirmed, appointments were made to numerous county boards and commissions (including Benton Development Group, Resource Enhancement & Protection, Solid Waste Disposal Commission Advisory Board, and others), and specific personnel appointments were confirmed, such as the Weed Commissioner, County Engineer, and Safety Coordinators.

The meeting included a budget work session with all department heads to review budget parameters for the upcoming fiscal year 2027 planning. Department heads were informed about budget constraints and financial burdens, including uncontrollable increases impacting certain departments and the necessity of abiding by two union contracts. Departments received instructions to prepare budgets assuming current wage levels remain constant and to concentrate on maintaining essential services within existing staffing and financial limits. Clarification was provided regarding potential future adjustments, which would depend on overall budget conditions.

Key discussion items included acting upon Resolution #26-16 appointing Derek Marsh as Deputy Attorney and Resolution #26-17 amending elected officials' salaries for FY26. The Board was set to authorize the filing of the FY25 Audit with the State Auditor's Office and set a hearing date for the FY26 Budget Amendment. Several land use hearing dates were planned or set for matters concerning Melissa and Brendan Rule, Tim & Jaime Whitehead, and a Farm Exemption application for Tom Stueck. A scheduled land use hearing was set for Cassandra Patava, and a tabled land use hearing for Cameron Erickson was scheduled for discussion. The Engineer was scheduled to discuss failed Right-of-Way acquisition for a bridge replacement project, including possible condemnation proceedings. The agenda also included discussions regarding FY27 budget requests for Non-Department and Outside Entities.