The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, October 30, approving several resolutions, hearing program updates, and reviewing countywide cybersecurity compliance.
Public Hearing and Property Sale
Supervisors opened a public hearing regarding the sale of Tract G, a small triangular parcel in the Linden Heights area of Mount Pleasant.
After multiple attempts to sell the land to neighboring property owners over the years yielded no response, Michael A. Moehlman expressed interest in purchasing it. The county set the sale price at $100, covering publication and administrative costs.
Following the hearing, the board approved Resolution 31-2025, authorizing the sale of the tax-acquired parcel to Michael A. Moehlman and returning the property to the tax rolls.
Revolving Loan Fund Update
Zach James, Assistant Director of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission (SEIRPC), presented an update on the regional Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), which provides gap financing for businesses seeking to expand or create jobs in the area.
He noted that Henry County’s local RLF—established in 2004 through USDA support—has not issued a loan in over a decade, with Airport Road Vineyard being the last project to utilize it.
Supervisors and James discussed ways to raise awareness about the program through outreach to chambers of commerce, banks, and city councils. James also previewed upcoming administrative updates to make the fund more flexible, including new “microloan” options under $40,000.
HIPAA and Cybersecurity Reviews
Representatives from Carosh Compliance Solutions, the county’s HIPAA compliance program, presented an annual review and renewal proposal focused on data security, privacy, and breach prevention.
The compliance audit showed Henry County’s overall training completion rate at 43.6%, well below the 80% benchmark required for indemnification protection against federal fines.
Supervisors learned that the public health department was one of the few to exceed 80% completion, while most other departments lagged behind. The compliance team encouraged the board to designate a point person, possibly a supervisor, to oversee participation and improve coordination with IT staff.
Supervisor Steve Detrick was direct in his remarks: “We either need to increase our engagement and make this work, or we need to reevaluate the dollars we’re spending.”
The annual service cost of $10,986 includes auditing, attestation, and indemnification coverage up to $100,000 for federal fines—provided compliance benchmarks are achieved.
Carosh representatives offered to hold in-person group training sessions, particularly for departments such as Secondary Roads, where employees have limited computer access.
Courthouse Security Motion Approved
In the final major action of the morning, Sheriff Rich McNamee presented a motion to establish a part-time courthouse security deputy to serve during court service days—typically Mondays, Fridays, and alternating Wednesdays.
The position will be funded through the General Basic Fund, using Clerk of Court surcharge reimbursements designated specifically for courthouse security. Supervisors discussed the importance of clearly tracking those funds for their intended use but agreed the position should move forward promptly.
The motion passed unanimously. Sheriff McNamee said he will post the opening, accept applications for 10 days, and coordinate with the Civil Service Commission to review candidates.
The Henry County Board of Supervisors will reconvene for its next regular meeting on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the courthouse boardroom.
Keokuk Ideal Ready Mix Manager Bill Cleesen donated the concrete for the pad, while Manic Illusions Customz finished the frame with a Keokuk Chiefs purple powder coat. Funding for the coating came courtesy of the Keokuk Athletic Boosters.
