Hardin County

The Board of Supervisors addressed several administrative and operational agenda items. Discussions included the schedule and venue for an upcoming public hearing regarding the proposed property tax levy. A tentative agreement with AFSCME Council 61 was approved, and a contract with Manatts, Inc. for asphalt resurfacing was authorized, along with a resolution granting the county engineer authority to sign related contract documents. Additionally, the Board approved an agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for asphalt runouts, issued a utility permit for Garden Wind LLC, accepted a resignation from the conservation board, and directed the county attorney to contact the city of Whitten regarding the process to resolve issues with a specific parcel. The meeting also included a departmental report from the sheriff.

The Board meeting included a session for opening and reviewing bids for a secondary roads storage shed project. Additionally, the Board approved a special class C retail alcohol license for the Meadow Hills Golf Course, authorized the hiring of two seasonal interns for the conservation department, and appointed a member to the Hardin County Conservation Board. The meeting also included an acknowledgment of reports from the recorder and auditor, a brief historical presentation, and a scheduled recess for administrative purposes.

The Board of Supervisors discussed various administrative and operational matters. Key topics included the approval of claims for payment, a review of a request regarding the use of courthouse grounds, and the appointment of a member to the zoning commission. The board adopted a resolution to establish the Hardin County Emergency Medical Services System Advisory Council and acknowledged the monthly recorder report. Additionally, the board addressed a resignation in the sheriff's department and received a project update regarding the paving of highway D41 and a local road, noting that a contract would be presented for future approval.

The board meeting included the approval of claims, the inclusion of Savvy into the county's benefits package to provide financial and student loan counseling to employees, and the authorization to hire an administrative assistant for the conservation department. Additionally, the meeting featured a public presentation regarding the historical context and preamble of the Declaration of Independence.

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the February 4th, 2026 meeting, followed by the approval of claims for payment dated February 11th, 2026. A primary discussion point involved the authorization of a resolution to transfer $100,000 to the employee benefit system due to increased claims across county, city, recycling, and landfill entities. The board also considered recommending approval to the DNR for an animal feeding operation construction permit application at Buckeye site 27, which prompted discussion regarding previous handling of a similar site (Buckeye 21). A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the Iowa River's Edge Trail project, detailing the acceptance of a quote for the demolition of the old railroad bridge (Bridge number 18) over the South Fork north of Gford. This demolition is being expedited due to the bridge's failure causing environmental damage to private land. The replacement bridge is planned as a clear span structure with viewing areas, and the project relies on ARPA funds for engineering costs. Discussions also covered the multi-use nature of the trail, funding sources including grants and donations, and the timeline for the subsequent phases of the trail development.