The Henry County Supervisors met in regular session this morning at 9 am in the courthouse. The monthly department head meeting followed the approval of the agenda as well as the minutes from last week’s meeting.
Walt Jackson, Head of Henry County Emergency Management wants to remind the public September is National Preparedness Month, aimed at encouraging everyone to prepare for emergencies and disasters.
Starting a conversation today can help you and your family to take more actions to prepare. By taking simple steps, you can build your preparedness at your own pace:
- Set aside a time when everyone is calm and relaxed.
- It may help to hold the discussions over a set time period, so decisions aren’t rushed, and people feel more comfortable talking about the topic.
- Talk about steps you’ve taken to prepare and encourage others to ask questions about preparedness actions that might work for them.
With the recent school shooting in Georgia, Walt Jackson informed the supervisors that all schools in Henry County have received Stop the Bleed and Active Shooter training with Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Department, the Henry County Health Center, and the Police Departments in Henry County within the last year.
Henry County Clerk of Court Jackie Myers shared with the supervisors that she has been promoted to oversee the District Clerk of Courts and introduced Sarah Maddox as the new Henry County Clerk of Court. Sarah brings 25 years of experience from both Des Moines and Louisa counties. Jackie Myers will continue to oversee Sarah through this transition as this is a part of her new duties.
Joe Buffington, Director of Planning and Zoning, updated the board that the next planning and zoning meeting discussing the wind turbine ordinance is scheduled for September 17th at 6 p.m. in the Henry County Courthouse Courtroom.
Nathan Milks, Henry County Assessor, reported his office received appraisals for 2024 this week so they will be turned over to the auditor’s office later this week or next which will begin preparations for 2025.
Kellie Sloan, Henry County Treasurer, reported property tax statements were sent to Henry County residents August 15th. Total cost to the county for this service was $7,195.55. The total amount of property taxes to collect for the year is $33,198,672.
Lynnae Buffington, Henry County Recorder, shared recorder fees have not been increased since 1985 and informed the supervisors there is legislation in the works to increase fees to $10 per page from the current $5 rate. If this legislation passes, this would give Henry County a net increase of $56,000.
Steven Giebelhausen, Assistant County Attorney, informed the supervisors there is no report for the County Attorney’s office.
Shelly Barber, Henry County Auditor, shared there have been 750 early voters for the September 10th special election concerning the Henry County EMS Essential Tax Levy. Early voting continues 8-4:30 Monday through Friday in the 2nd floor conference room of the Henry County Courthouse until September 10th when voting will be held in regular polling place locations from 7am to 8 pm. Find your polling location HERE. The Auditor’s Office has already received 100 absentee ballot requests for the upcoming general election on November 5th. Ballots are not able to be assembled and printed for the November 5th election because the Nomination by Petition submitted for Lisa Ossian of Oskaloosa running against Adrian Dickey, the current District 44 Senator, has been contested. Until a conclusion is reached, the Henry County’s Auditor office is unable to prepare the ballots.
Following the Department Head Meeting the supervisors held a motion to allow the hiring of an employee in the treasurer’s office. Kellie Sloan, Henry County Treasurer, referenced Iowa House File 674 (found HERE) as another source of revenue for the Henry County Treasurer’s Office to supplement the salary of the new employee. There was mention that treasurer fees have not been increased since 1984. Kellie shared her budget has been cut by $65,000 and the loss of an employee has created stress and inefficiencies in the Treasurer’s Office, therefore she hopes the solution of increased funds will allow her office to return to previous staffing levels. The Henry County Supervisors voted to approve the hiring, and supervisor Marc Lindeen thanked Kellie for providing a solution with her problem.
Joe Buffington, Director of Planning and Zoning, obtained approval from the supervisors for a preliminary plat for Rolling Hills Subdivision South of Mount Pleasant off Hwy 218. This will send the plans back to the Planning and Zoning Committee for further discussion.
In the public comments section of the meeting concern was again raised by a citizen for the lack of report from the County Attorney’s office stating they understand confidentiality but requested statistics such as conviction rate and amount of case load be shared. The topic of recording and providing Henry County Supervisor meetings virtually was again discussed with supervisor Chad White stating other small rural counties have this capability already.
