The Henry County Board of Supervisors covered a wide range of topics during its regular meeting Thursday morning, including budget preparations, infrastructure updates, and changes to the county’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request process.

After approving the previous meeting minutes and financial reports, the board moved into unfinished business, where Supervisor Detrick requested updated budget worksheets ahead of the upcoming fiscal year 2027 proposed budget hearing scheduled for March 25 at 6 p.m. He also asked for details regarding community betterment funding requests.

Detrick also presented a draft FOIA request form being developed in collaboration with the county’s IT department. The goal is to standardize how requests are submitted. He noted that a county resident, Bill Crawford, has expressed interest in filling an open position on the eminent domain board. Detrick added that the county’s website listing boards and committees is currently outdated but is expected to be updated within the next week.

During committee reports, Supervisor Lindeen shared insights from the Iowa State Association of Counties Spring Conference, where discussions focused on the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence in county government. Supervisor Detrick said the conference also helped clarify legislative issues, while Chairman White emphasized the importance of networking and learning from other counties’ experiences.

In new business, County Engineer Jake Hotchkiss requested approval for Alliant Energy to complete a gas line relocation project along the north side of Winfield Avenue as part of ongoing road improvements. The board also received updates on several infrastructure projects.

Construction continues on Lexington Avenue between 110th and 115th streets, where footings have been completed, though the road remains closed. Rock excavation has been finished for the 235th Street bridge project. A culvert replacement project on 170th Street is expected to begin soon, with a road closure planned for April 7 between Kentucky and Lexington avenues, weather permitting. A detour route will be announced in advance.

Hotchkiss also reported that Maddy Tree Service is clearing log jams at Oakland Mills and burning debris on-site as part of routine maintenance expected to be completed this spring.

The board also proclaimed April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Ali Tippey of Domestic Violence Intervention Program reported that 11 survivors in Henry County received assistance in fiscal year 2026, part of a broader effort serving 3,490 individuals across eight counties. She emphasized that sexual violence remains underreported in rural areas.

Public Health Director Katie Reuter requested the removal of certain unused services from the county’s general assistance program due to lengthy completion timelines. She also asked to continue a $500 monthly contribution to the Fellowship Cup, which provides food assistance to county residents. Both requests were approved.

In other business, Chairman White introduced a new deadline of 9 a.m. each Tuesday for department heads to submit agenda items. The change is intended to ensure timely publication of meeting agendas. Submissions will be coordinated through the chairman before being sent to the county auditor for final preparation. While Supervisor Detrick raised concerns, the board agreed to implement the deadline and review it later if needed.

During public comment, residents raised concerns about recent changes to the FOIA process. As of Jan. 1, the county began charging $42 to $45 per hour for staff time spent fulfilling requests. Previously, there was no fee. Some residents expressed concern about being notified of costs only after submitting requests and suggested implementing confirmation emails.

Detrick explained that one recent FOIA request required approximately 500 hours of attorney time and noted that staffing shortages in the county attorney’s office have extended response times to 30 to 45 days.

The public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget will be held March 26 at 6 p.m. at the Henry County Courthouse. The next regular meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for March 26 at 9 a.m.

Through the Safe Haven Law, a baby girl, born March 6 is now in the care and custody of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and will be placed with a foster family until permanent placement is determined. This brings the overall total to 80 infants since the law went into effect more than two decades ago.

Iowa’s Safe Haven Act is an option for parents in crisis who determine they cannot care for an infant up to 90 days old. Designated safe havens are locations like hospitals and police and fire stations. Iowa HHS then works to place infants in an approved foster home while awaiting permanent adoption.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or adopting a child, visit https://iowafosterandadoption.org/ to learn more about becoming an approved foster or adoptive family. For more information on Iowa’s Safe Haven, visit https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/CPS/safe-haven.