Grace Schmidt

The meeting involved the approval of the agenda and a discussion regarding the approval of minutes from February 6th and February 8th/9th meetings, with minor corrections noted. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to opening and reviewing five bids for a concrete slab bridge project on 16th Avenue in Cedar Township, with a motion made to accept the bids and review unit prices before final action at the next meeting. The Board also approved the necessary three signings for asphalt resurfacing projects for the upcoming construction season, which were slated for submission to the Iowa Department of Transportation. Furthermore, the Board accepted and approved several claims from the American Relief Fund (ARPA) for entities including Hall Electric, RC Tech Courthouse wiring, and True North Consulting radio tower projects. The approval of a fireworks permit for Daniel, scheduled for April 6, 2024, was also addressed. A discussion concerning a proposed change of use request for land near Highway 218, involving a single-family dwelling and business buildings, was tabled until March 5th to allow the applicant to resolve driveway access issues with the Iowa Department of Transportation and coordinate potential improvements on 62nd Street. Finally, a motion was passed to table Item 7, regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Hearing, due to pending date confirmation, and the Board moved to discuss the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Amendment Number Two, which involved adjusting allocations across Public Safety, Health and Social Services, Environment and Education, Roads and Transportation, and other administrative areas.

Key discussions during the session included reviewing quotes for Pictometry imagery flights, tabling a decision on a proposed road improvement project on 30th Avenue with the City of Urbana, and presentations of the FY27 budgets for the Engineer, Auditor/Elections, County Attorney (including collections), and IT/GIS departments. The Library Association provided an update and requested continued LOSST funding for FY27. The Board addressed storage issues for county records, reviewed the grounds and maintenance budget, and discussed staff raises within the County Attorney's office. A major action was the approval to switch the Health Plan from Plan 17 to Plan 2 and setting the new associated single and family rates for Health, Dental, and Vision insurance plans, while continuing the $25,000 life insurance policy. Resolutions were passed authorizing a wage increase for Alyce Lynch and finalizing the inspection certification for the MidAmerican Energy Company Natural Gas Pipeline Project. Appointments were made to the Solid Waste Commission, and quarterly reports for General Assistance and Veteran's Affairs were approved.

The Board approved the agenda and subsequently approved the minutes from the prior meeting held on December 23, 2025. Key actions included the approval of Emergency Medical Services Trust Fund Claims totaling $149,167.42, distributed across multiple ambulance and first responder services. The Board also briefly discussed upcoming board appointments scheduled for January 2, 2026, and methods for tracking maintenance requirements for the exterior of the Sheriff's Jail building.

The meeting addressed several key administrative and operational matters. Discussions included the dissolution of the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) Unemployment Pool, leading to the creation of Resolution #25-101 to establish the Benton County Unemployment Fund to manage future unemployment transactions directly with Iowa Workforce Development. The Board also acknowledged the resignation of a Reserve Deputy from the Sheriff's Office. Updates were provided on the Fiscal Year 27 Budget planning for the Board of Health and activities of the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention. Legal matters included drafting a letter to unions regarding a potential wage freeze and approving a farm exemption application. A representative from Hawkeye Area Community Action Partners (HACAP) introduced a successor and presented their FY 27 funding request, which included allocations for senior dining, housing, and senior services. Additionally, Resolution #25-102 was approved to hire a new Maintainer Operator for Secondary Roads, and Resolution #25-103 was passed to remove a weight restriction on bridge PO-0520 after replacement. The meeting concluded with positive feedback regarding recent snow removal efforts.

The Board addressed several appointments, including Pam Keel to the Benton County Board of Health and BJ Wayson to the Integrated Roadside Management Board. Approvals were granted for the FY27 Health, Dental, and Visions Insurance rates, and resignations of two Medical Examiner Investigators were accepted, followed by the appointment of a replacement. The Board discussed personnel matters for the Sheriff's Department, including permission to hire in the civil division. Budget presentations for FY27 were heard from the Sheriff's Department, Land Use and Health Department, and Public Health, covering topics such as jail food service changes, staffing needs, and vehicle replacement funds. A resolution to post a public notice and sealed bid packet for the real estate sale of county property (old animal shelter) was approved. Committee reports included updates on the WMA request and utility cost-saving measures in the Sheriff's office. The Board also held an executive session for a strategy meeting before adjourning.