Cherokee County

The board meeting included a presentation by the County Engineer regarding current construction, maintenance activities, and proposed upcoming projects for the Secondary Roads Department. Additionally, the supervisors provided committee reports and reviewed their upcoming meeting schedules.

Key discussions during the regular session included the approval of the agenda and the payment of claims, totaling $294,310.06, which included numerous vendors and services. Public health representatives from Cherokee Regional Medical Center provided an annual review of community services and shared upcoming program changes. The County Engineer presented the Cherokee County Dust Control Policy, which was adopted as Resolution #2026-07. The board also received updates on construction and maintenance activities, provided committee reports, and reviewed meeting schedules before adjourning.

The special session addressed several operational matters for Cherokee County. Key discussions included the approval of an underground construction permit for Triad Associates (T-Mobile) within County Right-Of-Way in Cherokee Township. The Board also approved a lateral change of position for an employee, adjusting the wage rate from General Foreman to Operator. Additionally, approval was granted for the separation of employment and final payout calculations, including hours worked, vacation, comp, and longevity, for a Secondary Roads Operator. Information regarding health insurance and benefit options available to Cherokee County through the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) was presented by Assured Partners, but no formal action was taken on this presentation.

The Board of Supervisors reviewed financials and participation numbers for ISU Extension youth programs. Key actions included approving a right-of-way permit for Beck Engineering for signage and a detour related to the City of Cherokee West Main Street project. The Board authorized the County Engineer to advertise and fill a vacant operator position in the Secondary Roads Department, following an update on construction and maintenance activities. The Marcus Fire Department provided a 2025 year-in-review presentation detailing fire and ambulance responses and updates on their Jr Firefighter program. A motion was carried to approve the separation of employment and final payout for a Deputy Sheriff, effective January 20, 2026. The supervisors also provided committee reports and continued the review of the 2026/2027 budget.

The tentative agenda for the meeting includes the Pledge of Allegiance and consideration/approval of the agenda and previous minutes. Key discussion items involve a presentation by Assured Partners regarding the ISAC Group Benefits Program. Other business items scheduled for review include consideration/approval of applications for construction on the County Road Right of Way, consideration/approval of a wage authorization for the Secondary Roads Department, and acknowledgment of an employee separation and final payout. Committee reports from the Board of Supervisors are also listed.