The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning, December 4th, at 9 a.m. The meeting opened with approval of the agenda and the November 25 meeting minutes.
Department heads then delivered routine updates.
Nathan Milks reported that field work began earlier this week. Tracy Sammons of the Secondary Roads Department noted that crews worked 12-hour days over the weekend to complete snow removal following last week’s storm. She also announced that the bridge on 235th Street, west of Mount Pleasant, will close on Monday to begin a full replacement project scheduled for completion in November 2026.
Blake Vierra, Assistant County Attorney, shared upcoming district and trial court dates. He also noted a recent rise in truancy referrals. Under Iowa law, students may be referred to the county attorney once absences reach 20% of a grading period, unless exempt.
Public Health Director Katie Reuter reported steady demand for flu, COVID-19, and RSV vaccinations.
Veterans Affairs Director Roger Pittsenbarger updated the board on the November 26th VA meeting and said their next meeting is scheduled for December 18th. He also reported strong turnout for the department’s breakfast events and warned of misleading mailers being sent to area veterans advertising “additional healthcare benefits” that ultimately require paid premiums.
Caleb Waters informed the board that the county dump station is operational, though installation of fiber optics for security cameras has been delayed due to cold weather. Waters also reported the completion of the new Story Book Walk, a collaboration with the Mount Pleasant Library and Rotary Club. He expressed concerns about tight budget timelines, noting that multiple departments must also work through their own governing boards for approvals.
Recorder Lynnae Buffington announced that staff member Marla Willey will retire in February and said she plans to promote Tamara to Deputy without filling the vacancy.
County Treasurer Kellie Sloan updated the board on an upcoming statewide rollout of a new scheduling system for motor vehicle and driver’s license appointments. The system, which goes live January 20, will allow Iowans to schedule appointments anywhere in the state and will replace the subscription-based system the county currently pays for.
Chad White delivered an update on behalf of Sheriff Rich McNamee, who is in training this week. McNamee reported a decrease in call volume this year compared to previous years, with inmate counts remaining in the upper 50s throughout the month. Housing out-of-county inmates has generated $4.2 million during the reporting period. McNamee also urged residents to celebrate safely this holiday season and to keep emergency kits, including blankets, jumper cables, and extra clothing in their vehicles.
Auditor Robin Detrick said her office is working on several year-end reports due this month. The board also announced the hiring of Gunnar Sloan as the county’s new IT personnel.
During public forum, several residents voiced strong support for Deputy Lopez and urged the county to reimburse his legal expenses. Lopez recently succeeded in having his name removed from the Brady-Giglio list and is seeking reimbursement for the costs associated with that process.
The meeting adjourned following public comments.