The Henry County Board of Supervisors heard several department updates and addressed routine county business during their meeting Thursday morning at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant.
During department head reports, Public Health Director Katie Reuter told the board the state continues to see high flu levels along with RSV and moderate COVID-19 activity. However, she noted that no schools in Henry County have reported absentee rates above ten percent. Reuter also announced her resignation and said the department has begun the search for her replacement while she works to ensure a smooth transition.
Henry County Treasurer Kellie Sloan reminded property owners that the second half of property taxes are due this month. Payments can be made by mail, in person, through the drop box, or online at iowatreasurers.org. Mailed payments must be postmarked by March 31 to avoid penalty, which will begin April 1.
Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson discussed a search conducted last week in Hillsboro after a report of a missing person. Jackson said the individual was not actually missing and the Sheriff’s office confirmed a person has been charged with false reporting. He explained that incidents like this take significant manpower and resources away from normal county operations. Jackson also reported he has applied for the county’s annual Emergency Management grant and expects it to be around $20,000. He will hosting a training this weekend focused on search procedures for missing persons.
IT Director Gunner Sloan reported the county is working to fill a second IT position. Sloan said the county received about 20 applications and interviews were conducted with six candidates.
Sheriff Rich McNamee told supervisors that dispatch continues to see a downward trend in calls for service. The Henry County Jail currently averages about 60 inmates per day.
County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss also presented the Secondary Roads weekly update. The board approved a motion authorizing dust control companies, passed a resolution supporting the FY27 County Program Funding grant, and approved updated speed limits for the Trenton area. Road crews continue maintenance work including patching roads, ditch stabilization, and resurfacing projects. A bridge removal project on Lexington Avenue between 110th and 115th Streets is underway as crews prepare excavation for new footings.
In other business, the board formally acknowledged Reuter’s resignation and discussed rising employee health insurance premiums with IGCHP representative Denise Ballard.
Supervisors were notified by the Henry County Attorney’s Office that they will hire a temporary administrative assistant to work through the end of March ahead of the upcoming special election. Former employee Gayle Donnolly has offered to come out of retirement to assist the office during the two-week period and will require no additional training.
The board also acknowledged liquor license renewals for the Bait and Tackle Shop in Oakland Mills and Deerwood Golf Club.