The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Thursday morning to review infrastructure progress, departmental changes, and regional updates across the county.
County Engineer’s Report
County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss presented his weekly update, beginning with the opening of a single bid for a new box culvert project on Fremont Avenue, south of the Conservation Center. Iowa Bridge and Culvert submitted a bid of $168,946, well below the county’s engineering estimate of $195,000. Hotchkiss said the lower price was encouraging and that final figures would be verified before a recommendation is brought to the board next week.
He noted that the project provides flexibility for winter construction and will replace a narrow bridge with a wider box culvert, eliminating width restrictions and improving traffic flow.
Hotchkiss also reviewed current road maintenance challenges, explaining that extremely dry conditions have made blading gravel roads difficult. Areas near Winfield, particularly those affected by Highway 78 detours, have seen increased wear and traffic. The engineer said crews are addressing problem spots as conditions allow but emphasized the need for moisture to improve grading work.
Repairs and ditch improvements continue along Franklin Avenue north of Oakland Mills, where crews are using riprap to prevent erosion and prepare for future resurfacing. Brush removal, hydroseeding, and routine mowing along paved roads are also ongoing.
IT Department Restructuring
The supervisors approved a resolution to restructure the county’s Information Technology Department, transitioning oversight from the Auditor’s Office to the Board of Supervisors. The change creates IT as its own county department with independent budgeting, administration, and staffing.
Supervisor Chad White noted that the move be made with the agreement and consent of County Auditor Robin Dietrich.
The county’s IT audit and assessment will begin October 29, with the contracted technology team spending two days in Mount Pleasant to evaluate infrastructure and gather department feedback. A report of initial findings will be presented on October 30. The posting for the new IT Director went live last week, with HR managing the application process.
Other Business
Supervisor Marc Lindeen reported on recent meetings with the Southeast Iowa Regional Waste Authority and Community Action of Southeast Iowa, which included updates on Head Start facilities a in Fort Madison and budget amendments for federal community service grants.
The next meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Henry County Courthouse.