The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, November 6, for its regular department head meeting, where officials shared updates on ongoing projects, staffing changes, and community programs across multiple departments.
Veterans Affairs
Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger reported a busy October, with 157 office visits and strong participation in outreach events. He attended the Senior Health Fair at the Mennonite Church to share information about veterans’ benefits. Pittsenbarger also highlighted that Iowa ranked 19th nationally in veteran expenditures last year, with $1.27 billion in VA funds distributed statewide in 2023.
He announced he will speak at two Veterans Day programs on November 11 — at Park Place Nursing Home and the Mount Pleasant VFW Hall.
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Rich McNamee said October was “steady but slower,” with 17,633 service calls logged countywide, about 1,500 fewer than last year. The Sheriff’s Office has earned $437,784 in revenue from housing out-of-county inmates through October and is actively interviewing for three open jailer positions.
The department collected over 200 pounds of prescription drugs during the DEA’s National Drug Take Back Day. McNamee also cautioned drivers about an increase in deer-related accidents and urged residents to prepare for winter road conditions.
He closed by thanking his department’s veterans and reminding residents that the Sheriff’s mobile app offers weather alerts, inmate information, and emergency updates.
Conservation Department
Conservation Director Caleb Waters said the department has completed winterizing of county parks and facilities. Looking ahead, crews are planning for 2026 habitat projects through two major grant applications — Trees Forever and the Iowa Forest Resiliency Partnership Program, the latter potentially providing over $100,000 for restoration efforts without requiring county labor.
Waters reported continued fundraising success for Jared’s Park, an inclusive playground at Oakland Mills. More than $60,000 has been raised in four months, supported by a $10,000 Henry County Health Center Foundation grant and a $95,000 equipment match.
He also noted a record turnout of over 200 people for the department’s annual night hike and announced that campground reservations will soon transition to a new CivicPlus online system to improve user experience.
Treasurer’s Office
Treasurer Kellie Sloan said October marked a return to normal business following property tax season. Delinquent notices were mailed to 596 property owners, with 2.64% of payments still outstanding.
Motor vehicle transactions generated $620,000, with $30,800 retained by the county. The Driver’s License Station handled 374 renewals, including 32 out-of-county customers.
Public Health
Public Health Director Katie Reuter reported a busy vaccination season, administering 700 doses to over 400 residents through 26 clinics in October. The department also completed school vaccination audits and continues compliance checks at local daycare facilities.
Reuter shared that Iowa’s Public Health Realignment Initiative is back on track, with possible implementation in July 2026. She clarified that local public health departments will remain independent, not becoming state-run entities.
General Assistance funding remains tight due to federal restrictions, though $500 will be directed to the Fellowship Cup for local food support.
Emergency Management
Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson attended trench rescue training near Chicago and has begun reviewing his draft budget with staff before submission.
Secondary Roads
County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss said crews are preparing gravel roads for winter and wrapping up fall brush and seeding work. The 235th Street Bridge project west of Mount Pleasant will close December 1, with reconstruction expected to continue through next fall. Detours and speed limit adjustments along Old Highway 34 are under discussion.
Recorder’s Office
Recorder Lynnae Buffington reported that the county’s digitization project is nearly complete, with supervisors’ minutes from 1861–2023, along with survey and plat records, now available online. Additional estimates are being collected to scan historical survey books still stored in the office.
Planning and Zoning
Planning Director Joseph Buffington noted upcoming zoning board meetings, including proposals for a 290-foot cell tower southwest of Highway 218 and a new substation west of Franklin Avenue to meet growing electrical demand.
He also reported that the 911 Board is recommending a name change for a short segment of Benton Avenue to improve emergency response coordination.
Auditor’s Office
Auditor Robin Detrick thanked staff for managing a smooth city and school election earlier this week. Results will remain unofficial until the canvass on November 12.
She also announced that budget worksheets will soon be distributed to departments, with the Compensation Board meeting forthcoming.
Snow Removal Bids Opened
Supervisors opened bids for the county’s snow removal contract, which covers six separate locations. The bidding process was briefly clarified after earlier confusion regarding publication and posting procedures.
Two bids were received:
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M&D Lawn Care submitted individual bids for each of the six locations, specifying the timing and frequency of snow removal.
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JBC provided a single combined bid covering all six sites, along with proof of liability insurance.
Supervisors took both proposals under advisement, planning to review details before making a final decision next week.
