Melissa Larson

The meeting covered organizational matters, including the election of the 2026 Chair and Vice Chair. Several resolutions were approved, such as setting regular meeting days, authorizing the Chairman to sign contracts for 2025, establishing the Adair County Travel Policy with specific reimbursement limitations, adopting the 2026 County Holidays schedule, and adopting a construction evaluation resolution concerning confinement feeding operation structures. Additionally, the Board designated the official newspapers for 2026, approved the 2026 Board List for various committees, approved claims, set township clerk wages, appointed the ADA Coordinator, appointed members to the Condemnation Commission, re-appointed members to the Board of Health and as Medical Examiner and Weed Commissioner. Further resolutions empowered the County Engineer for certification of work completion and acceptance, adopted compliance documents for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, established the Title VI Non-Discrimination Policy, set new weight limit postings for numerous bridges, authorized personnel to issue permits for overweight/oversize vehicle movements, designated the County Engineer to authorize utility permits through 2025, and established compensation rates for fence removal/replacement when right-of-way is acquired for road projects. The Engineer also provided an update on ongoing road projects.

The special session focused on reviewing Fiscal Year 2027 funding requests from various county entities. The Adair Public Library requested $16,000 above minimum statutory funding, an increase from the previous year's $8,000. Midwest Partnership requested $33,534, matching the previous year's amount. The Adair County Fair Board requested $50,000 for FY27, an increase from $40,000 previously. Environmental Health requested $48,000, the same as the prior year. DHS requested $15,300, a decrease from $15,750. Adair County Public Health requested $95,000, up from $90,000, with discussions emphasizing the use of county funds for the EveryStep Homecare program. Southern Iowa Trolley requested $9,681, an increase from $9,236, noting challenges with ridership and driver recruitment.

The primary focus of the session was the presentation and review of Fiscal Year 2027 budget requests for various county departments. The Sheriff presented a budget request totaling $2,300,049. The Engineer presented multiple FY27 budget requests covering IRVM, Secondary Roads, Road Clearing, Safety, Weed Commissioner, and Roadside Management, noting increases for most categories. The Auditor presented FY27 budget requests for Auditor functions, Clerk of Court, DHS, Medical Examiner, and County Libraries. Finally, the Veterans' Affairs Director presented the FY27 budget request of $93,700.

The board approved the agenda and addressed several key items. Discussions included the receipt of only one bid for the County's audit services RFP, leading to the approval of a contract with the State Auditor's Office covering fiscal years FY26, FY27, and FY28. The board also reviewed the FY27 funding request for Agricultural Extension, noting a proposed decrease in funding from the prior year, and the FY27 budget request presented by the Attorney, which reflected an increase over the previously approved budget amount.

Key discussions and actions during the meeting included the approval of claims totaling $100,104.16 across various funds. The Board acknowledged receipt of a manure management plan update from Prestage Farms and the FY27 audit for the Southern Iowa Trolley. Significant engineering matters involved signing contracts and bonds for the OEC Paving Project, and approving two resolutions leading to joint public hearings scheduled for March 3, 2026. Resolution #2026-14 concerns a proposed change to a Reduced Level of Service for a section of county road, while Resolution #2026-15 addresses a petition to vacate and close another section of county road. The Engineer also provided updates on office repairs, joint pavement projects, rock stockpiling, and budget adjustments. Finally, the Board conducted a budget work session regarding the FY27 budget.