Henry County Supervisors Explore Workforce Merger, Burn Ordinance, and Approve School Resource Officer Contract
MOUNT PLEASANT — July 17, 2025
The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning for a full agenda that included a public hearing on a proposed burn ordinance, contract approvals, and participation in a multi-county discussion on merging Iowa’s regional workforce development boards.
Workforce Development Merger Proposal
The board joined a Zoom call with Mississippi Valley Workforce Development to discuss a proposed merger with the South Central and Northeast Iowa workforce areas. The consolidation is prompted by drastic federal funding cuts that have left the South-Central region unable to operate past October 1 without restructuring.
Key points:
- The merger would preserve local control and service delivery by combining administrative efforts.
- Supervisors expressed concern about how financial liabilities would be shared among counties.
- The decision must be unanimous across the three regions, with a letter of intent due by August 18.
Public Hearing: Open Burn Ordinance
A motion was made and approved to enter a public hearing on a proposed open burn ordinance intended to reduce unnecessary fire department calls, particularly during red flag or burn ban conditions.
One county resident addressed the board, voicing support for the ordinance’s intent but stressed the need for clear communication and public education. “Where do you find out if you’re in a burn ban or red flag day?” he asked. Also raising concerns about how smaller burns and recreational fires would be treated.
Board response:
- Supervisors and emergency officials clarified that recreational and contained fires are not the target.
- The ordinance focuses on large-scale burns like CRP or ditch burning, particularly under risky weather conditions.
- Education and outreach will be a priority. County emergency alerts, a public safety app, Facebook, and other media will be used to notify the public about burn bans and red flag warnings.
The public hearing was then closed, with no objections. Supervisors noted that official readings of the ordinance will follow at future meetings.
Contract Approved for School Resource Officer
The board next reviewed a 28E agreement with the New London School District to provide a School Resource Officer (SRO). The board approved the agreement.
Other Business
The board briefly discussed the possibility of a future 28E agreement with the City of Salem, though no timeline has been established. Updates will be provided after the public safety committee meets.
The meeting concluded with subcommittee reports and general updates.