[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_25":26},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5},"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","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_27":28,"_29":30},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[31,73,85,97,109],{"_32":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":55,"_67":68,"_69":55,"_70":71,"_72":71},"mediaId",6311534,"mediaKeyId","2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03","parentId",2395761,"title","County begins planning for morgue replacement as St. Luke’s facility will be decommissioned","audioSeconds",559,"startMs",1367000,"endMs",1926000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03&start=1367&end=1926","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03/thumbnail_1367000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6311534/Woodbury-County/Iowa/County-begins-planning-for-morgue-replacement-as-St-Lukes-facility-will-be-decommissioned","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311534-d1a1c2493398b0bf1dd5093f528e37ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1770014793&Signature=l1nbp6cFfym8vD7RWejWnbEOgniFgdrBDImf6EsF4VRvSQjenkdYWkg~4ag1ywBem4ej2yw7s9Vks9c~QNjsF-vfJLiKzLdWUA1mMpUuwat-hYMbsQUXVuZyvWapDq1pD3a2EgGz~DoBJj1t-Nucxnu6C2kivVCIRjx9~p5YCLhWrpVI4DAmnZgNygPvxEs-qrlIkRy7YAq3yU7Kv-kGDROHGjIDYDSPqS~e-gffQfDLZlwQraSWl0W62oIBpDtJPewMl4dwL8QYxBVf0xmgalumOw9BTG6s9AYEiDdaPVSyNmDFg9Luan8RRdD6EFp0P2uu3cZpBqVACbzNQTXnGA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Woodbury County, Iowa","date","2025-02-25T21:18:52Z","article","Woodbury County officials told the Board of Supervisors on March 3 that St. Luke’s will decommission the facility the county has used as its morgue at the end of the calendar year, and the county is planning for alternative arrangements.

Michelle, a county staff member presenting the medical-examiner packet, told the board the county previously budgeted $45,000 for investigations in fiscal 2025 but actual claims had risen to about $83,000. Staff proposed increased budget lines for contractual services (to contract with local funeral homes under possible 20/80 arrangements) and for rentals/building needs to cover short-term storage, office and refrigerated storage. The packet included a rental cushion number and an increase of approximately $175,000 in related medical-examiner budget lines to cover unknown costs while staff develops firm plans.

Staff identified options under consideration: 1) enter agreements with local funeral homes to store decedents and transport bodies to state-level autopsy facilities in Ankeny when required, 2) lease an existing building (staff reviewed a potential lease site that was later reported as intending to sell), or 3) build a small county facility on county-owned property (recommended as a last resort because of capital costs). The staff packet included a property example listed at $499,000, which the presenter said the county does not have available for a purchase.

Staff said the county recorded roughly 145 deaths in the prior year (presenter stated this figure as an estimate) and that the medical-examiner caseload variability makes forecasting difficult. Supervisor Benton Jr. moved to receive the medical-examiner packet; the motion was seconded by Supervisor Nelson and the board approved the receipt by voice vote. Staff said they will continue outreach to other counties about their contractual models and will return with cost estimates and recommendations.

The board stressed the preference—if feasible—of sending autopsies to the state facility in Des Moines and contracting locally for storage and transport, to avoid owning and maintaining a new county facility unless necessary. Staff will keep the board updated as cost information and lease options are developed.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Woodbury County Board of Supervisors - February 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Woodbury County staff told supervisors St. Luke’s will decommission the county morgue at year-end, and the board received a packet outlining interim and long-term options including funeral-home partnerships, leases or construction.","taxTitle","taxId",3851,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_32":74,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":75,"_40":76,"_42":77,"_44":78,"_46":79,"_48":80,"_50":81,"_52":82,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":83,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":84,"_66":55,"_67":68,"_69":55,"_70":71,"_72":71},6311535,"Board approves local-option sales-tax allocations for events, tourism and community grants",1087,269000,1356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03&start=269&end=1356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03/thumbnail_269000.jpg","/articles/6311535/Woodbury-County/Iowa/Board-approves-local-option-sales-tax-allocations-for-events-tourism-and-community-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311535-07eb97bd7c816a648c6278b71c65c13b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770014793&Signature=GE5mC7uvw2vNNa3dhIRs0IW6qOka-rpgo~VMg20sFH-nxM~w8O2gXPh56DOOthxLDYlzOXib81L3EyzJZGGRtcdidR5DNEexmkqcnr4QSzJZDMwv1KMzU2Nh8o3fYWwGE2pOrbgKbITzPgkqq0I-i84bCq8VCLj4Ml4zG5~KgFWAm1Pf6Pz~oUPL3dXqAR2ghp1lxGx4tKegFDczSDjUonOg7l3PxxcpHy03m4ZHEuC8iLdoYtNSYkDDTPlGlRybCmeM3kvXxlltiBtalh-INr1JVUseE8uyaFZNzXnssPamuUnTX7eudPq8Lyt97gtSbnkEEs1yxB1~MO3hw3RGlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors on March 3 voted to receive and approve a series of local-option sales-tax (LOST) allocations and community funding requests. Individual motions to receive or approve the items passed unanimously, generally by 5-0 votes where noted.

The packet showed an estimated beginning LOST fund balance of $310,436 and a hypothetical unallocated balance of $711,560 if all present requests were approved. Michelle, a staff member presenting the LOST worksheet, said past practice includes using unallocated LOST funds to pay down county debt and that the board could decide how much to keep for future allocations.

Approved items and amounts (as presented to the board): the county’s structured payment to the event center (noted as an annual installment of $150,000; the current payment was described as payment 8 of 10), a county-fair request (presented in a request letter; specific county appropriation not stated on the record), Western Iowa Tourism ($500 requested; staff said the organization had provided an invoice but not the formal request letter this year), Simcoe joint membership dues ($8,053.90), Improvement Regional Housing Fund (matching funds request, $23,322), Loess Hills Alliance ($2,000), and Iowa’s West Coast Initiative ($5,000, an increase from $2,000 in the prior year). Many of these items were received on motion and adopted with unanimous board approval.

Jason Ingram, identified as Woodbury County Fair board president, described fair participation numbers and capital needs including arena and building repairs; his remarks accompanied the fair’s request. Karina Pedroza, identified as entrepreneurial community navigator with Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, explained the requested increase will fund expanded entrepreneur programming, mentorship and a conference.

Unresolved item: the Siouxland Initiative historically received $25,000; staff reported they had not yet received a formal letter but that Chris McGowan had texted indicating the organization intends to send a request for $25,000 and staff planned to place that request on a future agenda once received.

All individual LOST-related motions presented in the meeting record were received or approved by the board; staff noted prior transfers from LOST to debt service and other programs and recommended the board continue to weigh paydown versus retaining funds for upcoming needs.","Supervisors received and approved several local-option sales-tax requests including an event-center installment, county fair support, Simcoe membership dues and multiple small community grants; Siouxland Initiative request was reported as forthcoming.",{"_32":86,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":87,"_40":88,"_42":89,"_44":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":55,"_67":68,"_69":55,"_70":71,"_72":71},6311536,"Woodbury County supervisors receive fiscal 2026 budget documents, post maximum tax-levy notice",3859,152000,4011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03&start=152&end=4011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03/thumbnail_152000.jpg","/articles/6311536/Woodbury-County/Iowa/Woodbury-County-supervisors-receive-fiscal-2026-budget-documents-post-maximum-tax-levy-notice","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311536-d0b9afc1b42ba1059e1e0365fcd95017/orig.mp4?Expires=1770014793&Signature=nK0aEesTqHWmLAdtlD31R8zNbIZsjQ1fjLWYWIUnJg-q6IuIUbMRvmIysFjWUK37B-zC0Fsa-HGhS~56bxXUfw~P2hrmZ6YUD3DWfxNRDtQGijDgkuIy3jXF9t56rNpyAYgQYnrx2YppIyDbMmVU0DEA4BJtNObIqZScxjsPrWjiLTmdf1ZjbKKDkLmqIWeJWyE3q6zFpZVCIMe-iKDEJrPb3PfVm08r66Nb2cFSvxpVqpqTPRnoZTP3Q10sBdlw277F6vwkh7TBozRrmSTEa6KOoT~7svh6G5N5WiWTU1PwUNWh2VIzncZIDFFCKaImqv6d~SdoQWF5~rScVjs6zA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors on March 3 voted to receive the proposed fiscal 2026 budget documents and to publish maximum tax-levy figures required for the auditor's public notice process. The board’s motion to receive the packet passed 4-0.

The action places the maximum levy figures on record and begins the public-notice clock; the board emphasized the vote does not adopt final tax rates. Michelle, a staff member presenting the budget materials, told the board the figures represent the “maximum” the county might levy and that final levy and budget adoption will occur at a later meeting in April.

Why it matters: the published maximum is the ceiling the board may adopt and is required for the Department of Management mailing to property owners. The county’s presenter said limits in state law (referred to in meeting materials as House File 718) cap some levies, which constrains how much general-basic and rural-basic funds can grow. The materials shown to the board estimated a countywide maximum levy in the scenario presented and explained options for shifting one-time funds (for example, gaming or local-option sales tax receipts) to reduce the debt-service levy.

Key numbers and next steps: staff showed debt-service principal of $2,944,940 and interest of $407,804 for fiscal 2026; the packet listed a $400,000 maintenance/lease obligation to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) authority. Staff said the board must finalize any adjustments before the auditor’s March 5 mailing and may still reduce these maximums before final adoption in April. The board directed staff to post the maximum amounts and return with further scenarios and adjustments as needed.

The board clarified multiple times that receiving the packet is procedural: the public notice will reflect the posted maximum amounts and the board retains the ability to lower the levy before final adoption.","The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted to receive proposed fiscal 2026 budgets and to post maximum-tax-levy amounts for public notice. Receiving the documents does not set the final tax rate; the board said it will set the final levy in April.",{"_32":98,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":99,"_40":100,"_42":101,"_44":102,"_46":103,"_48":104,"_50":105,"_52":106,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":107,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":108,"_66":55,"_67":68,"_69":55,"_70":71,"_72":71},6311530,"Zoning commission hears presentation on small modular reactors; public engagement increases",108,4121000,4229000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03&start=4121&end=4229","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03/thumbnail_4121000.jpg","/articles/6311530/Woodbury-County/Iowa/Zoning-commission-hears-presentation-on-small-modular-reactors-public-engagement-increases","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311530-603d885dcc32de9f85fb3237be0ae8e1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770014793&Signature=RBCz-B2i0sxmhlqmkfRuar~lYGnBwvudC~2gQh15TsZclVqanDDfL-v7FRjszgSicJtHmOJFzj14DNL3RinplTbd4MzcPglLV7KebTiwV6wWv2xYInV4bdJs~6xLW09MoLEVqFbNJSEzScUPa5xclneG~nI7XD9Trne5ExcE7AQxb8XwMdhXBmX7hYsm4Qu2jRWpj3mYW9MjtStEcvpA3X~-ZGcfNTb-IgbGXwCZKS5x1ur~CYzwqn-Hup06dyyOryiYddJ1Nm7nlU4Pc0v16z9RbG0dtfQg5q~RHoK4fn07gTQ5IrfVGvb8N-HvIwavkbPjH99euuedY66ktvrukw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Woodbury County Zoning Commission and planning staff reported to supervisors on March 3 that a recent public meeting drew an increased audience for a presentation on nuclear options and small modular reactors.

Dan Priestley, planning and zoning director, summarized the meeting and said Stephen Curtis, who has decades of experience in the nuclear industry, provided an overview of technology, safety, timelines and fuel options. Curtis told attendees that development of an industrial-scale reactor could take roughly 10 years from start to finish, and he discussed the possibility of using spent or slightly used nuclear fuel in newer fast-reactor designs. Priestley said the commission is exploring existing ordinance language — specifically a conditional-use pathway — that could apply to electrical energy generation and related facilities and that the commission plans a reconvening next month and more public outreach.

Supervisors who attended the meeting reported that Curtis described national-level interest in expanding industrial power capacity and that federal actions could accelerate permitting and funding for energy projects. Priestley said the Zoning Commission intends to continue soliciting public input and will form a more formal recommendation in coming meetings. The video of the Zoning Commission meeting is available on the county’s Zoning Commission Committee page, staff noted.","The Woodbury County Zoning Commission hosted a presentation by Stephen Curtis about small modular and fast reactors; commissioners said public attendance and engagement has increased and the commission will continue work on conditional-use processes related to energy-generation proposals.",{"_32":110,"_34":35,"_36":37,"_38":111,"_40":112,"_42":113,"_44":114,"_46":115,"_48":116,"_50":117,"_52":118,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":119,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":120,"_66":55,"_67":68,"_69":55,"_70":71,"_72":71},6311533,"Board reviews debt service and LEC maintenance reserve; public comment raises oversight and conflict concerns",2288,2187000,4475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03&start=2187&end=4475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2395761-827e0e775469551e90d2820394edaa03/thumbnail_2187000.jpg","/articles/6311533/Woodbury-County/Iowa/Board-reviews-debt-service-and-LEC-maintenance-reserve-public-comment-raises-oversight-and-conflict-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6311533-af77cf8a51e43b7332ff19831efdaef2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770014793&Signature=oMgGREzOXJzsFD2NIvDv-7e8x9vXvHyAFr9bMAR8O6hB0SoFeh-C4GP0l5qX6uESbnc2ShiU55DNsn-x47Y6eLLo3A0XjHNQ2HT0upibrKA~1k3WE9Mz-hKdQF8asOA2UKrMd355aRnJuJzMt196spLx~wKuXMp~DxpWo2zPNPvIPoOdv3ZGw~APVGcCedCTNkyuLa9msr1HjaxYd1udmMxOq6xdpnvBPcPCu4U9FvzldW~yB4q8qYL1oRyo35jC-w9Bd1yUXmz0JcNPUX3v6oHPwkXXgEnSvuNFVMY5ckSgzrh7-usWnJceqcgqQGptGT2stX55uyJG95dCk55tjg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff presented the debt-service schedule to the Board of Supervisors on March 3, showing principal and interest obligations and a $400,000 annual contribution to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) maintenance reserve. Dean Bertram, the county treasurer, said the reserve is held in segregated accounts and earns interest. Staff noted debt-service principal and interest lines and explained how transfers from other funds (for example gaming or LOST funds) could be used to reduce the debt-service levy.

The packet showed debt-service principal of $2,944,940 and interest of $407,804 for fiscal 2026, and staff noted the LEC maintenance contribution is intended for building longevity and specific capital needs. Presenters explained that when the LEC reserve reaches a target (noted in the packet as $8,000,000), the board may suspend the maintenance contribution.

Committee reports and public comment raised operational and oversight concerns about the LEC project. A board member who attended an LEC meeting reported the Baker Group contract had been operating month-to-month; the LEC authority voted to cap Baker Group compensation at $32,000. The board member said heating failures occurred in parts of the LEC during a recent cold period and that building issues remain under review; the board member reported sending a letter to project parties seeking action.

During public comment, Doyle Turner of Moville raised allegations about conflicts of interest and urged the board to renegotiate agreements and mitigate damages. Turner said he believed spending on legal and project-management costs could exceed funds recovered through litigation and that the county should act to limit further expenditures. These remarks were delivered as an expression of a resident’s concerns and are reported here as attributed allegations; the county and LEC authority did not provide new factual findings in the meeting record to substantiate the claims.

The board discussed debt capacity and emphasized a desire to keep debt low and manageable. Treasurer Dean Bertram confirmed the LEC reserve is segregated and earning interest. The board said it will continue to monitor LEC costs and may seek resolutions to fund legal or owner’s-representative expenses as needed.","County staff reviewed debt-service schedules including a $400,000 annual maintenance contribution to the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) reserve. An LEC meeting report noted ongoing construction and heating issues; a citizen urged the board to renegotiate contracts and alleged conflicts of interest related to LEC project management.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County begins planning for morgue replacement as St. Luke’s facility will be decommissioned

Board approves local-option sales-tax allocations for events, tourism and community grants

Woodbury County supervisors receive fiscal 2026 budget documents, post maximum tax-levy notice

Zoning commission hears presentation on small modular reactors; public engagement increases

Board reviews debt service and LEC maintenance reserve; public comment raises oversight and conflict concerns