Deb Bonde

Key discussions included health insurance rates, where the Board decided to increase the contribution for family-insured employees by $40.00 per month, while also increasing the insurance buy-out rate to $225.00. The Board reviewed but deferred action on the new Covid Leave Policy and Work from Home Policy, pending an attorney opinion. Updates were provided regarding the Secondary Roads Department, including the scheduled floating holidays for July 2, 2021, and November 26, 2021, and current projects. The Board also approved the insurance buy-out for Aleck Pafford and reviewed the Recorder's Quarterly Report.

The primary focus of this special session meeting was the presentation and review of requested budgets for fiscal year 2024 by several individuals. The Board reviewed budget requests from Dana Davis, Rick Sheley, Josh Good, Justin Savage, and Belinda Ogle, engaging in question-and-answer sessions regarding each submission. The Board concluded the session by reviewing topics for discussion in future meetings.

The Taylor County, Iowa Hazard Mitigation Plan outlines strategies to reduce long-term risks from various hazards for the county and its participating jurisdictions. It focuses on four primary goals: mitigating fatalities and injuries, ensuring governmental and business continuity, enhancing inter-organizational coordination and communication, and minimizing damages to current and future development. The plan serves as a roadmap to decrease vulnerability, foster resiliency, and maintain eligibility for federal hazard mitigation funding.

The meeting included the opening and subsequent closing of a Public Hearing regarding changing one mile of Orange Avenue to Level C status; no action was taken, and the road remained Level B. The Board entered a Closed Session for 25 minutes. Key agenda items involved tabling the Battery Energy Storage Ordinance pending further research and attorney review, and approving a purchase agreement for Project BRSC0809850---60-80. New business included approving the Auditor's proposed dates for 2024 Holidays, Bill Pays, and Pay Dates, and a request for 'The Farm' funding. An update on the Public Health Building indicated an agreement for Tony Simmons to lease the South Building for six months. Finally, the Board reviewed and approved claims to be paid and discussed future meeting topics.

The Taylor County Board of Supervisors convened to discuss several key issues. Updates on Secondary Roads were presented, and the board entered a closed session to discuss the potential purchase of a Public Health Office. Following the closed session, the board approved the purchase agreement for a property to be used as a new Public Health building. The creation of a Policy Committee within the Courthouse was discussed, including its structure and policy creation process. The board also reviewed a funding request for a walking trail extension in Lenox, but decided to table the discussion. The meeting included a presentation on updated security cameras for the Courthouse, with a continued debate on the cost-benefit analysis. Finally, the board reviewed property tax applications and claims to be paid.