[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6340086,"mediaKeyId","2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6","parentId",2260208,"title","Votes at a glance: Benton County supervisors approve minutes, claims, personnel and several road and procurement actions","audioSeconds",9020,"startMs",34000,"endMs",9054000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6&start=34&end=9054","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6/thumbnail_34000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6340086/Benton-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-Benton-County-supervisors-approve-minutes-claims-personnel-and-several-road-and-procurement-actions","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340086-95c4d7f9b09d7b2144b2626c410d02d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273457&Signature=D3urPCwbWPu7IRj-sXAM6M~dzuF9RrfgL8QfSs4t8tgJJsg0Vpz1fB2QzIZ58A1Go8Raubxfp-~zlPFIdr2pTCd6JEbFp6fC6i7m9G0NUMYAx7b7PscaqWZk3c-uGc8BhJ0bOAhDM21Jjy~R0FP6WPc4luK35IXrUeY5iUbHnMKhLbtYA~rogSy4Z4Pc4ninuuFrf8-elBXRxqbYW4Io7irOqpJrYn6pejCnXxoIc~TPgLu~A1yDO869LlWWco6g3jts7NdrAlomq0d9ltY72J65uNDPE~zsvA7pKazWquJXQXARUdsCXVdCQj5XElr1~6xkIe2ovaSnXNJ61UoL1g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Benton County, Iowa","date","2025-02-11T14:01:29Z","article","At the meeting supervisors recorded these formal actions and outcomes. This roundup lists motions and recorded outcomes taken during the session.

1) Approval of minutes
The board voted to accept minutes from a prior meeting (motion made and seconded; recorded as approved by roll call). Outcome: approved.

2) Claims and ARPA invoice initialing
Supervisors moved and approved accounts payable claims presented at the meeting and initialed an ARPA invoice in a claims folder as required. Outcome: approved.

3) Farm exemption — Brian Miller
Motion to approve a farm‑use exemption application for Brian Miller for a property off 30 Second Avenue (presented as meeting the agricultural acreage qualifications). Outcome: approved (recorded aye votes: Tippett, Bull(s), others recorded as aye).

4) Appointment — trustee of former township
Motion to appoint John Becker as trustee of the former township was made and seconded; motion carried. Outcome: approved.

5) Approve purchase agreements / bridge easement (30 Second Avenue)
Board approved purchase agreements and easements needed for the 30 Second Avenue bridge replacement (Marcus and Groff parcels). Outcome: approved (see roads article for details).

6) Preconstruction agreement with Iowa DOT (Highway 30 turn lanes)
Board authorized entering a preconstruction agreement with the Iowa DOT that includes an estimated county cost of $22,207.23 to remove and reinstall two signal poles. Outcome: approved; chairman authorized to sign.

7) Road closure resolution 25‑8 (temporary closure for bridge construction)
Board approved Resolution No. 25‑8 to temporarily close a county road to support a contractor’s bridge replacement work and authorized the closure within the contract window. Outcome: approved.

8) Personnel: hiring of custodian (Tess Ware)
Motion to hire Tess Ware as part‑time custodian (3 county hours per week; 2 DHS hours) at $20.08 per hour; motion passed. Outcome: approved; start date noted as February 12.

9) Acknowledgment of resignation
Board acknowledged resignation of an employee (Justin Kishow) with an effective date provided. Outcome: acknowledged.

10) Vehicle procurement authorization
Board approved ordering additional vehicles for county operations (motion to order three Dodge Durango units and to proceed with procurement; seconded; motion carried). Outcome: approved.

Notes: Several items on the agenda were discussed for follow‑up, including the Central Iowa detention invoices (staff were directed to draft a letter to request agreements, amendments and itemized invoice schedules). For each approved action staff recorded follow‑up tasks and responsible departments during the meeting.

A full list of motion texts, vote tallies where recorded, and associated agenda item identifiers has been filed with the county clerk’s office and will appear in the official meeting minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","02/11/25 Board of Supervisors Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board recorded a series of routine approvals including minutes, claims, a farm exemption, a trustee appointment, several road/bridge actions and personnel hires; staff will follow up on contract and invoice issues for a detention vendor.","taxTitle","taxId",45756,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6340091,"Supervisors approve easements for 30 Second Avenue bridge and preconstruction work with DOT for Highway 30 turn lanes",749,5466000,6215000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6&start=5466&end=6215","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6/thumbnail_5466000.jpg","/articles/6340091/Benton-County/Iowa/Supervisors-approve-easements-for-30-Second-Avenue-bridge-and-preconstruction-work-with-DOT-for-Highway-30-turn-lanes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340091-0ce1759a18a7f6caf579f7439d7ec3c4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273457&Signature=EyYoRI7mf3nrgkN-0~gHbgKlmE9HJhHsg7IYd3Ocf11ShhWm1AbUjXqj6jkJAOM5lFCBhJL-76Og-7OIOfcW4fxBZccPR6kFVs-pvs8tvAWCvxY7HUHlz0xYvxICfTLTY~RvbHZj0FGOp~-Wc0UyHYVSPFf~zgDZNhyNC0Rz7MVufIV60Pj6hHfF~67xPB8bEsFRUeIC-zogJzES-w8uxUt5JZmkWjb3rLyPWqtlG~mZ0dnEH3Q8XYiX101MPHA8vWBVY-mhpRCdgysEjJ3dpnA8q-2WV14vJhupGsqfuxHhhyiia5LE-Q9SP43LD81XiSfvbP4UvOxAsO6GHwZp8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benton County supervisors approved purchase agreements to secure right‑of‑way for a bridge replacement on 30 Second Avenue and authorized a preconstruction agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for turn‑lane work on Highway 30 that will require county funding to move intersection lighting.

County staff described two property purchases needed for the 30 Second Avenue bridge project in Florence Township. The purchases were small parcels and temporary construction easements: Russ and Kim Marcus (about 1,115 square feet plus temporary easement for materials storage) and Kent and Jolene Groff (about 9,405 square feet of permanent easement plus 2,437 square feet of temporary easement). Staff told the board the Marcus payment totaled $2,900 including fence and landscaping compensation and the Groff payment totaled $1,440 (combined amounts as presented to the board).

Supervisors voted to approve the purchase agreements and to notarize the signatures required for closing.

Separately, county staff described a DOT project to add right‑turn lanes on Highway 30 at the approaches for 30 Second and 30 Third avenues. The DOT offered to relocate two traffic poles/pedestals that sit in areas that will be affected by construction but stated the county would be responsible for the county’s portion of the work to remove existing bases and reinstall the signals. DOT’s estimated cost to remove old footings, install new footings and refit two signal poles — including 5 new LED fixtures — was $22,207.23. The board approved entering the preconstruction agreement with DOT and authorized the chairman to sign.

Why it matters: The bridge replacement and Highway 30 safety improvements are county road projects that require negotiated right‑of‑way purchases and coordination with DOT. The preconstruction agreement commits county funds to restore traffic signal poles that DOT must temporarily remove or relocate for the state construction project.

Supervisors also approved a separate road‑closure resolution (Resolution No. 25‑8) to temporarily close a county road for a bridge replacement project later in the season; the board authorized the closure and the contractor’s planned work window.

Next steps: Staff will finalize closings on the 30 Second Avenue easements, continue to coordinate with DOT on construction scheduling, and proceed with the contractor’s timetable once permits and preconstruction tasks are complete.","The board approved purchase agreements and easements for a bridge replacement on 30 Second Avenue and signed a preconstruction agreement with the Iowa DOT that includes an estimated $22,207.23 county cost to remove and reinstall intersection lights.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6340096,"HACAP summarizes food, housing and Head Start services; asks county to name board representative",380,3748000,4128000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6&start=3748&end=4128","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6/thumbnail_3748000.jpg","/articles/6340096/Benton-County/Iowa/HACAP-summarizes-food-housing-and-Head-Start-services-asks-county-to-name-board-representative","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340096-6489a3536aa9ae318f9a9e9b978054d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273457&Signature=UoPnq4IUBYho8GN3DeYItLinGasQcdRkvVuTGjEJlnwnA85~CkJiSk3ybLpO8LCszBnoBwFGR9BLJNNUvHg4dk0X8TYdZr3rR5kD~c6yM9dhNfwEjRqbLcpyR0bE1Vg438i5iLpiX3g1GsJxtkNLv9QBO1ld4j1ZFWFQoMh9jb9BRDhCQTJHWrtnNMUW9sr0xu3zVe-9xwvD2q9r8XmS9wNIZNijZ9u51gSfE7iNH-ZlvdpxTP25VJhxh5qfSwgXDKxWfRLZ3yC65jHikJ1zJpytR05TlGCxoyN2fCqVzYXmPWCTOfeDM3y39FLLH-aKRntPIIhJ21W~9NFPM6PoVg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of HACAP briefed Benton County supervisors on last year’s services in the county and thanked the board for financial support.

HACAP’s presenter (name not specified) told supervisors the agency uses county funding to support three primary activities in Benton County: the Fourth Street Diner and Senior Center in Vinton, the Belle Plaine senior dining program (about 40 meals per day), and a small affordable‑housing program in Belle Plaine that provides three apartments and one house at below‑market rents. HACAP said the Vinton site serves about 90 meals per day including Sunday service and that the program also distributes food through partner pantries, delivering over 300,000 pounds of food to partner agencies.

HACAP provided aggregate service numbers: roughly 1,600 people in 942 households received assistance; the presenter said direct assistance totaled about $489,128 and food assistance totaled about $537,000 (a combined approach the agency presented as roughly $1.3 million in assistance delivered locally). The agency described weatherization and furnace replacements performed for a small number of households and noted veterans’ households served.

HACAP also described its Head Start program (16 full‑day, full‑year slots) to support early childhood education and parental workforce participation. HACAP asked the county to appoint a representative to its board of directors; the presenter said HACAP meets the last Thursday of each month and will provide an orientation packet to a new county board designee.

Why it matters: HACAP delivers nutrition, housing and energy assistance to vulnerable residents; county funding helps sustain local congregate meals, home delivery and small affordable‑housing units.

Supervisors thanked HACAP and signaled they will appoint a representative. HACAP said it would follow up with meeting dates and a board packet for the county appointee.","HACAP told supervisors it served nearly 1,600 people in Benton County last year, delivered thousands of meals, operates Head Start slots and provides below‑market housing; the agency asked the county to name a representative to its board.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6340101,"Benton Development Group briefs supervisors on $100,000 county allocation and recent project wins",890,1526000,2416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6&start=1526&end=2416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6/thumbnail_1526000.jpg","/articles/6340101/Benton-County/Iowa/Benton-Development-Group-briefs-supervisors-on-100000-county-allocation-and-recent-project-wins","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340101-c1548be5dc5b0dfa22eedd3724860f54/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273457&Signature=FKEgHp-Rjhr1idNlNQ1Yq-P5YAfJfH9ySTw95yxEVYqu1aCsvLwIZv~8EXgYPLgOlvSjz9ovDRVn4VHFFule4PDEKoJXAbCULchdR5Ro8OqhdX4~nd7W91DVm8STKt-moisgl7X2z7m3jSmvokM6Lg3fXJTnRTl7Xe8zA467bl1u8BS04xTxlLNrPBFAbRSWKYmqZvk~hmZw81804tnmZsn3FOwZrSZoULnsNLoya1L3pM5O3TJB33RBZPNraRbt8dNREjDYwbIhWAZWXKjlKCW5eOKYlMpjw0V57d2BWCtrSPk~dbcclNiN54Gy08Kj3apuMn6uGzQH7642easZKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benton Development Group (BDG), the county’s nonprofit economic development organization, presented an annual overview to Benton County supervisors and described how the county’s $100,000 annual allocation is used.

The BDG presenter (name not specified) told supervisors BDG is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that receives most of its operating budget from the county and that 75%–80% of the county allocation covers staff wages. The presenter said BDG spent the remainder on marketing, travel tied to grant work, and community development activities such as downtown walk‑around visits organized with state partners. The presenter said BDG’s office space is provided at a reduced monthly rate ($250 per month) by a board member.

BDG reported it helped communities secure nearly $2,000,000 in federal disaster‑recovery and housing grants in the most recent year, with projects including upper‑story apartment conversions, duplexes, and small downtown business support in towns such as Belle Plaine and Atkins. The presenter identified specific projects: the Moore Building renovation in Belle Plaine (five upper‑story apartments plus a lower‑level restaurant grant), King Theatre upper‑story living apartments in Belle Plaine, and duplex workforce housing in Atkins. BDG said it coordinates with ECCOG (East Central Iowa Council of Governments) on CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) projects and serves as a local connector to developers and state programs.

The group also briefed supervisors on BDG’s downtown “walk‑around” visits led by Iowa Economic Development Authority teams; BDG said every county community except Keystone, Norway and Garrison has participated. BDG’s presenter said the organization has seven years of staffing in the role, a modest office budget, and an annual $100,000 request from the county. The presenter asked supervisors to consider continued support and an appointment to BDG’s board.

Why it matters: The county allocation underwrites BDG staff time and local economic development activity; BDG functions as the county’s front line to attract grant funding and coordinate state and federal resources for downtown and housing projects.

Supervisors’ questions focused on budget detail and how money is spent. BDG said 75%–80% of the county allocation covers staff and that the remainder pays marketing, travel and small projects. BDG also noted a modest $6,000 annual contribution from a regional electric cooperative to support BDG work.

Next steps: BDG will expect a county representative to its board; supervisors said they would appoint a representative and monitor BDG’s use of county funds.","Benton Development Group told supervisors it is funded primarily by the county and used $100,000 annually to staff operations, marketing, and grants work; BDG said it secured just under $2 million for county projects and listed recent downtown housing and business grants.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6340106,"Supervisors ask staff to demand itemized invoices from Central Iowa detention contractor amid disputed surcharges",1206,2453000,3659000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6&start=2453&end=3659","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2260208-fed11cb1363f30f93dd8be17864e0bf6/thumbnail_2453000.jpg","/articles/6340106/Benton-County/Iowa/Supervisors-ask-staff-to-demand-itemized-invoices-from-Central-Iowa-detention-contractor-amid-disputed-surcharges","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6340106-15a74d8dee4f3e21cbc31c83ee61f9d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775273457&Signature=kdgEZRjy-QUKMqK1LWR2~NFMfZSwvnTHHRRrs0sIikpc809KI-PLWEYGGfot4578E6VSDvpmo81iNN0joA5Hc5Lqi2yQJraSYImXqW15qvS7GWVZFUk3kCtYyiz0YdA438mMSxGmRLrfjqFdTENVakPOzs4FRK6W-lQiNlMYLEamwx5OROd9LcgMtwSpwP8TC6vtv~HGNKJnNfwSgnh8GitrF8n0brPLmEsIkkZyUklctR1-di33h5XP-53tgVUjCWFel-jmmda3zlvjFkjrRU4gP58S891kk70pgpQw8y3c2Eap4NuFSvVZ7Il-ETGxV4BSRAKOK6qM0SyXmj5qMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Supervisors at a Benton County meeting directed staff to seek an explanation and records after reviewing invoices and a multi‑county agreement with Central Iowa for detention and placement services.

County auditors and staff told supervisors they had received blanket invoices that appear to charge up to $400 a day for a difficult individual when the county believed the underlying agreement set a daily rate near $250. Staff said the invoices do not include an itemized schedule of supplemental fees and that the county has not found signed amendments to the 2018 agreement in the minutes or their files.

The board discussed options including refusing the disputed surcharge, paying to avoid service disruption, or formally disputing the charges. Staff reported they had polled other counties and found mixed practices: some jurisdictions reported clear written price schedules (for example, Linn County), while others said invoices were similarly opaque. Supervisors said several past amendments or later contract changes were not on file locally and that a lawsuit involving another county also appeared related to the same billing practices.

As a result the board asked county staff to draft a formal letter to Central Iowa requesting (1) copies of the signed 2018 intergovernmental agreement and any subsequent amendments, (2) a detailed price schedule explaining the $250 versus $400/day line items and any surcharge rules when a county exceeds pre‑purchased bed days, and (3) itemized invoices that identify the services behind each charge. Staff said they would circulate a draft of the letter to supervisors before sending it and would continue to discuss alternative placement options with nearby facilities.

Why it matters: Central Iowa provides detention placement services to multiple counties. Unclear or unilateral surcharges can materially increase Benton County’s budget exposure and complicate audits of county claims.

What supervisors said: County staff reported they had withheld some payments pending clarification and that large outstanding invoices have forced budget amendments in recent years. Supervisors asked for a clear written fee schedule and for staff to confirm which counties have signed or filed amendments.

Next steps: Staff will draft the letter and seek copies of the 2018 agreement and any amendments from Central Iowa and the Secretary of State’s filings; the issue will return to the board once staff receives a response or supporting documents.","Benton County auditors raised questions about invoices from Central Iowa for detention housing after surcharges and unclear fees increased costs; supervisors asked staff to draft a letter asking for the signed 2018 agreement, a fee schedule, and itemized bills.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Benton County supervisors approve minutes, claims, personnel and several road and procurement actions

Supervisors approve easements for 30 Second Avenue bridge and preconstruction work with DOT for Highway 30 turn lanes

HACAP summarizes food, housing and Head Start services; asks county to name board representative

Benton Development Group briefs supervisors on $100,000 county allocation and recent project wins

Supervisors ask staff to demand itemized invoices from Central Iowa detention contractor amid disputed surcharges