The Henry County Board of Supervisors met Tuesday morning at the courthouse in Mount Pleasant, approving routine business and discussing cost savings, department needs, and upcoming infrastructure projects.
Under the consent agenda, supervisors approved meeting minutes and financial claims for payment, with a correction made to the previous meeting’s minutes clarifying that Preserve Oakland Mills had been incorrectly listed as Friends of Oakland Mills.
During unfinished business, the board heard from Adam Kerns with HUB Insurance regarding possible changes to insurance deductibles under the county’s Iowa Communities Assurance Pool (ICAP) coverage. Supervisors accepted several recommendations that are expected to reduce insurance costs by approximately $13,000 this year.
Supervisors also reported progress on department budget reviews, noting that several have been received, with a handful of departments still pending review.
Discussion also continued regarding the county compensation board. Vice Chair Steven Detrick reiterated his concerns with the board’s repeated 10 percent wage recommendations, calling them unrealistic and noting that several other Iowa counties have abolished their compensation boards altogether.
IT Director Gunner Sloan updated the board on county owned cellular phones, saying he is gathering quotes and working with department heads to determine how many phones are needed. Sloan plans to present a full report to supervisors by mid-February.
Supervisors continue to wait for the county attorney to review a contract related to a self-funded engineering study of the Oakland Mills historic walking bridge proposed by the stand-alone non-profit organization Preserve Oakland Mills.
Committee updates included a safety committee report, where Jake Hotchkiss said he and Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson have begun reviewing budgets and emphasized the need for clear job classifications to better define responsibilities.
Additional updates were provided from Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission, IT, and Planning and Zoning. Planning and Zoning Administrator Joe Buffington reported that polling places have been added to Beacon and that the county is addressing a floodplain violation, stressing that compliance is required to maintain FEMA insurance eligibility.
In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss gave his secondary roads update, noting that crews are blading routes, cutting brush, and preparing equipment. He also announced that Fremont Avenue east of Franklin Avenue is closed for a bridge removal and culvert placement project, and demolition work continues on the 235th Street bridge.
Supervisors approved a resolution setting a speed limit on South Walnut Street in partnership with the City of Mount Pleasant.
Supervisors also heard funding requests and reports, including a $23,000 funding request from the Henry County Fair. Fair officials reported an increase in swine entries last year and strong beef participation despite market conditions.
Area Economic Development Director Rachel Lindeen highlighted recent marketing efforts for Mount Pleasant, including features on KCRG’s Our Town and newly produced promotional commercials.
The board noted there would be no supervisors’ meeting on Thursday, January 29, as members will be attending the Iowa State Association of Counties Conference (ISAC). The meeting concluded with budget work sessions for the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney’s Office. Learn more about the budget work session here.