Despite the Old Threshers Reunion, the Henry County Board of Supervisors met on Thursday morning.
The county engineer, Jake Hotchkiss, provided an update on the state of our county’s roads. Franklin Avenue (W-55) is closed from 275th St north to 260th St. Iowa Bridge and Culvert is closing Nebraska Avenue today and will be moving equipment in today and start removal soon. This is south of 220th St. The project is slated for completion before winter sets in, dependent on weather.
The board then discussed reissuing a check from 2022 for the Mt. Pleasant Correctional Facility. The original check was sent two years ago but was not cashed at that time. On July 6th, 2023, the board resolved to void this check. Recently, they were asked to reissue the check, but according to Iowa code, they are not legally obligated to do so.
The Henry County Sheriff, Rich McNamee, spoke about the good relationship the county has with the correctional facility. Currently, the facility provides meals to the inmates, and looking elsewhere for this service would likely cost substantially more. For reference, the previous meal provider was close to 50% more for their food service. The board ended up motioning to reissue the check in the amount of $17,822.50.
Kelli Sloan, Treasurer, asked the board to consider hiring a new employee for the treasurer’s office. She believes that the office of 6 needs one more person to run effectively. Currently, there is a two week wait for a driver’s license appointment. Marc Lindeen, a supervisor, mentioned personnel cuts as a result of HF718, and chairman Moeller worried about hiring a new employee that may have to be let go in 3 years. The decision to approve an additional hire for the treasurer’s office will be put on next week’s meeting agenda.
Sarah Berndt, coordinator of Disability Services and a member of the Mt. Pleasant evening Rotary, asked the board about a diaper drive in September. The club is participating in a diaper drive with Family Connection and would like to place a box at the courthouse. This was allowed by the board.
During the public comments section, a citizen voiced his concern with Christopher Ales and his redevelopment project with old Iowa Wesleyan buildings. Ales is suing the board of review due to assessed valuation, which is costing the county money. According to the assessor, the total bill is probably around $20,000. The citizen believes the board should not deal anymore with Ales until he gives up the lawsuit. Other citizens asked about a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, which is yet to be given a date. One citizen asked for the notice of the rules at that meeting, and if public comment will be allowed.
Supervisor White attended the ISAC meeting in Des Moines on August 21st and 22nd. There, he recertified as a certified county supervisor and participated in discussions with other county supervisors over “hot topics” including HF718, EMS levies, and alternative energy.