The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday, December 18th at the Henry County Courthouse to conduct regular business, hear department updates, and take action on several agenda items.
County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss provided an update from Secondary Roads and discussed ongoing projects across the county. Supervisors approved a lease agreement with ITC Midwest LLC to lease 10.1 acres of the county quarry for storage. The lease will run from October 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, with the county receiving a lump sum payment of $136,350, calculated at $500 per acre per month. Hotchkiss explained that the funds from the lease will go directly toward the cost of crushing rock at the quarry in 2026. Crews plan to build a three-year stockpile of crushed rock to carry the county through the duration of the lease. Secondary Roads will still have access to its stockpiles during the lease period.
Hotchkiss also reported that crews continue work on the bridge replacement project on 235th Street west of Mount Pleasant. Crews have been removing the bridge deck and are working on ramps to access the channel below for additional work.
Supervisors and Hotchkiss discussed potential changes to the county’s dust control fees. Supervisors requested that Hotchkiss return with additional information at a future meeting, including data on the number of residents who submit late applications for dust control.
Zach James with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission presented updates to the Henry County Revolving Loan Plan. James explained that eligibility requirements have expanded. Previously, applicants were required to live in Henry County but outside city limits. The updated plan now allows applicants from anywhere within Henry County. Additionally, the program has been expanded beyond for-profit businesses to include nonprofit organizations. Supervisors voted to approve the resolution updating the Henry County Revolving Loan Plan.
Steve and Marcy Davis provided an update on Preservation of Oakland Mills. The group requested permission to sign an engineering contract to re-evaluate the bridge and assess its structural integrity. Supervisors requested a copy of the proposed engineering agreement for review before taking further action.
During supervisors’ subcommittee updates, each supervisor shared reports from committees they serve on. Supervisor Chad White also addressed an ongoing issue regarding a request from Deputy Lopez for reimbursement of legal fees related to his removal from the Brady Giglio list. White reported that after consulting with an attorney provided through the Iowa Communities Assurance Pool, he was advised that Henry County does not have a legal basis to reimburse those fees. White noted that the board has reached out to Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird for additional guidance but has not yet received a response. No official decision was made during the meeting.
The meeting concluded following additional discussion and routine business.