[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-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",[32,75,87,98],{"_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":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6632667,"mediaKeyId","2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512","parentId",2671113,"title","Kossuth County Board commits $250,000 over five years to fair grandstand project","audioSeconds",1534,"startMs",492000,"endMs",2026000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512&start=492&end=2026","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512/thumbnail_492000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6632667/Kossuth-County/Iowa/Kossuth-County-Board-commits-250000-over-five-years-to-fair-grandstand-project","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632667-0b8b3606af21f1fbf4b640815160278e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773570471&Signature=Z52T~4kbBgh3s9EZQM50kV6VoUFvpkrIWtndkehn0fYD6P22wchMnagFIaWJFAds9F1abLv0oY8qzbNa3ziAef2reYuP4XvYCql-KQy6xJ5yF2aZ9fHCMBpVDkHK0bbphekCitIWY7Nh07Iw74ZdrLQSf-Xvo78qDbOrSvcz8cIAVjaipFWguxGUQ6qm4b6m2ri1VRxtU5R0L0KAci3zEUIGupUDBXGauFDlWawUtbCb6XIsdTII3eVtA4YKODJFoFMi8lswY~F70xdLJWFjbEHMjv5V07eGdVwVuGh9GgkzgqAcV41XnwcRaP4d4dskfdUEVZZZKxPv-6QX~RQM6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kossuth County","date","2025-03-18T16:14:15.813Z","article","The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to commit $250,000 over five years to a grandstand renovation at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds, approving an amended motion that specifies $50,000 this year and a total of $250,000 by the end of five years.

Supporters at the meeting said the county’s pledge would help the fair board meet fundraising thresholds needed to apply for larger grants. A fair representative told the board the project needs to reach $1.3 million in pledged commitments to pursue certain grant opportunities.

Board members focused discussion on how the county would deliver the money, whether the payments could come from tax increment financing (TIF) revenue, and how any donation should be documented to satisfy auditors and legal requirements. Amy, county counsel advising on urban renewal, told the board that the county followed the proper procedures to include the fairgrounds property in the county’s urban renewal area and that urban-renewal financing is a lawful tool for economic development.

Supervisors debated options for structuring the county commitment. Several members said they were comfortable with the $250,000 total previously discussed during budget work but emphasized they wanted clarity on whether the funds would come from the general fund, TIF revenues, or borrowing. One supervisor said the board had budgeted $50,000 in the current fiscal year and that the remaining commitment would require further planning about borrowing and the timing of TIF receipts.

After debate, Supervisor Oz moved and Supervisor Garmin seconded a motion to commit $250,000 over five years. Another board member offered and the board adopted an amendment to specify $50,000 in the current year with the total $250,000 provided within five years. The amended motion carried unanimously.

Board members and fair representatives discussed contingencies: how the county would document a contribution to a nonprofit owner (the Kossuth County Agricultural Association), possible use of multiple funding tools (general fund, TIF, or revenue bonds), and the need for an agreement that makes required legal findings if the county proceeds with an incentive under urban renewal law.

The motion did not authorize any immediate transfer beyond the $50,000 already included in the county’s budget; supervisors said additional steps would be required before any TIF-backed borrowing or other financing took place. County counsel said the board could structure any assistance as a development incentive and memorialize it in an agreement that documents applicable findings under chapter 15A procedures.

The board’s vote hands county staff and counsel a clear direction to continue negotiating implementation details while the board’s commitment stands as an approved policy decision.

Looking ahead, supervisors said they would expect the fair board to continue fundraising and to provide documentation that the county’s commitment is usefully combined with private and grant funds to complete the project.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Kossuth County Board of Supervisors Meeting 03/18/2025 Part 1 of 1","oneSentenceSummary","The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to commit $250,000 over five years to a grandstand renovation at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds, approving an amendment that specifies $50,000 this year and the balance over five years.","taxTitle","Kossuth County, Iowa","taxId",69823,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632654,"Votes at a glance: Kossuth County Board actions and outcomes",10297,2000,10299000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512&start=2&end=10299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512/thumbnail_2000.jpg","/articles/6632654/Kossuth-County/Iowa/Votes-at-a-glance-Kossuth-County-Board-actions-and-outcomes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632654-90d29aed836851b4759a7a264de2f2a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773570471&Signature=euLcX8msI6CRJWmdf-ui0uZJVkLKvSLmC3yYM~fYVD04hyXEkYkhfTk~MkKHgAaArlmYlPb3AgRDNY5l4uDrL6ixlMM9bjV79oYBFqlh6omy9VJ9UBz~Ga30yopsNbO~Glp0jh7RZjSOt1fAAo3zDZGG~gBZ6IaepZvt1lELxwuFxr8TF5ZCp7dmeEDfPHefJyHf5CPyWxSAQ3NPqTs71JBIIyZ67FLJQY4Y2gWZHtVf5oPsrIuJyGMSTCLLIU8LUX44xU-G0osjjUaHsENCht5rRF25x2bM5QXkK3Z57eSp1Ti30XHhMTLQyRPCDtOTBnAsDAOP54t1YgVP6TFAqA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its meeting the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors took the following formal actions (outcomes listed):

- Agenda and minutes dated 03/11/2025 — approved unanimously (procedural).
- Approval of claims (conservation claims) — motion carried unanimously.
- Acknowledge monthly budget status report — acknowledged.
- Commitment to Kossuth County Fairgrounds grandstand project — board approved $250,000 total with an amendment specifying $50,000 this year and the balance over five years (motion carried unanimously). See article on grandstand commitment.
- DD60 Sub‑4 (drainage district) completion hearing — hearing continued without date to allow remaining work/punch list completion and timely filing of landowner damage claims; retainage (10%) withheld (motion carried unanimously). See DD60 Sub‑4 article.
- Roadside noxious weed spray contract (B & W Brush Patrol) — board approved contract (estimated total approximately $107,602) unanimously.
- Right-of-way request for fiber optic communications (TyTaka/Tytaca Burke/US Cellular connection) — approved unanimously.
- Clarification of longevity resolution language — motion to clarify which employees receive longevity payments (to be corrected at next fiscal year resolution) carried unanimously.
- Compensation for employees who worked when courthouse was closed due to severe weather — motion to allow affected employees a floating holiday (upon department-head approval) failed, 1–4.

Board members asked staff to prepare follow-up steps where appropriate (agreements and findings for the fairboard commitment, itemized claims and engineer reports for DD60 Sub‑4, and handbook language revisions for closure-day compensation).","A concise roundup of formal board actions taken during the meeting: agenda and minutes approval; claims approval; commitment to fair grandstand; continuation of DD60 Sub‑4 completion hearing; roadside spraying contract; right‑of‑way permit; clarification of longevity resolution; and failed motion on closure-day floating holiday.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":80,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632659,"DD60 Sub‑4 completion hearing continued; retainage and damage claims remain unresolved",3068,7231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512&start=7231&end=10299","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512/thumbnail_7231000.jpg","/articles/6632659/Kossuth-County/Iowa/DD60-Sub4-completion-hearing-continued-retainage-and-damage-claims-remain-unresolved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632659-406c4d5dfbf1620805b59035d6a62ae6/orig.mp4?Expires=1773570471&Signature=CVd-ZO7aY1HdDj5hQvFog5D-OaZqmvwfMaF37baqhVpLhJnJz28Q5Baa7urkElce8rir-Ierfw4i~7JHqHcPJ3r5WiWpR-KokwZYFm1UqpX9Uo~fPDYnPjoq87nw-RgFxx~8HO-nOTqufmkCnMCgn9zrHNFmDXWe8J2yHOfO9U0QXb1fIqW0BSw1KzhW37V6BZg5-uNhlFvf3iTyIhO8N~X4WW-yBveOPf-3bkRQd8EUUOjnMqND1ZYcWvxMtLkL9-COXYOS9XP-umuPW2AcJEsh8jI3sPp3HkHWOWf1T~PDilPwD1SOCBuBMbi6Em3VU-6-E9oxdTTlbpC3ZeiifA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a public completion hearing for Drainage District (DD) 60 Sub‑4, the board heard the engineer’s report, landowner concerns about construction damage and finish work, and decided to continue the hearing without setting a new date so contractors can finish outstanding items and affected landowners can file written damage claims.

Tyler Shami, the project engineer, summarized field testing and the contractor’s work. He reported that tile deflection tests were within the specification maximum (5 percent) and that record testing shows the project complies with the design specification. Tyler also told the board there remain punch‑list items, including removal of two inspection ports and one joint connection that needs reinforcement; he recommended continuing the hearing while retaining leverage to ensure completion.

The project’s financial summary presented at the hearing shows the original contract award at $2,342,243.00; final quantities produced a total cost of $2,401,428.73. That amount has been paid except for the 10 percent retainage that is being held until work is accepted and the completion hearing is closed; the board noted the retainage remains a practical lever for ensuring outstanding work is finished.

Several landowners described localized impacts they said resulted from construction: drowned-out or worked ground, rough or rock-strewn surfaces, and damage to tile outlets or fences. The board accepted written claims and directed landowners to file itemized documentation for damages (receipts, estimates, or contractor bids) before the hearing’s closure so trustees could consider each claim. Two claims were identified during the hearing record: one submitted by Phil Reynolds (additional planting/hours/delay claim, $1,223 submitted in itemized form) and other objections from landowners including Richard Johnson and Bill Wilks concerning flooded areas and rough ground.

Engineers explained how the district computes damages: immediate crop losses plus an allowance for reduced productivity in a corridor above the tile (a multi‑year percentage split commonly used to account for soil blending and compaction). The engineer recommended the trustees consider both immediate crop losses and a one‑year additional loss allowance on heavily disturbed areas. Trustees also discussed how replacement of fences and work to restore passable condition would be handled (districts generally reimburse landowners for reasonable, documented restoration cost rather than asking the contractor to do all restorative work).

The board voted to continue the completion hearing without setting a date; trustees said they would notify landowners when the contractor reports that all work has been completed to the required standard. Separately, the board is scheduled to hold an assessment/reclassification hearing on April 29, at which time the reclassification report (and estimated parcel-level assessments) will be available to landowners.

","Engineers reported the DD60 Sub‑4 tile work meets specifications but some finish work remains. The board continued the completion hearing without setting a date to allow the contractor to finish outstanding work and landowners to file damage claims. The project’s final paid amount is $2,401,428.73; retainage of 10% remains withheld.",{"_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":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632662,"Board rejects extra paid time for employees who worked when courthouse closed during storm",1511,2525000,4036000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512&start=2525&end=4036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2671113-f2c096e5a7525cfe97a2e877f640a512/thumbnail_2525000.jpg","/articles/6632662/Kossuth-County/Iowa/Board-rejects-extra-paid-time-for-employees-who-worked-when-courthouse-closed-during-storm","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632662-35ec0669ec5b6c86c87428f9932cb213/orig.mp4?Expires=1773570471&Signature=iyGj7V5vONcfKiVwoLNTvfiGSsAFiVHrBEmPHSyHwFCqIM-lCwysG8k4fge1HvsU8xO7X40-X9iqZH-TJrZdGmFvaxKR0JO-SX8DAyi9w5-ATlAs5Etvh132Io03O9TdrbxA-gSrgFmrgdRbC~lbVhV77whYuaDWqu331UAV41EVaT84I-N551A9rgH7Ria3tXOvg9j-E2yAPOK9F2fhqrl35nEN-2CoHJTiQL8ZtBVcGQAG~7mNNE3a29N7-0cjU91DsDAkCzANjePinkqSMCyzUlDopZygZT9aPk4DoSiBQtHgoo7FGfYsIQUd4rD5H7NY6ovA6zBdaaNjxwTN0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted 1–4 against a proposal to grant a floating holiday to employees who were required to work on the day the courthouse was closed because of dangerous travel conditions.

Supervisor Garmin moved that employees who had to report during a county closure declared for severe weather be allowed a floating holiday, subject to department-head approval; Supervisor Haas seconded. After an extended discussion that ranged over safety, handbook policy, operational differences among departments and potential budget and scheduling impacts, the board defeated the motion.

Board members who opposed the motion cited multiple concerns: setting a precedent that could encourage risky travel, unequal treatment across departments with different shift structures (for instance, 12-hour road-maintenance shifts vs. eight-hour courthouse schedules), the fiscal impact of paid days off combined with overtime to cover staffing, and the need to follow the county handbook’s existing inclement-weather provisions.

Tammy, the county auditor, read relevant handbook language into the record: “In extreme circumstances, the auditor, under the direction of the chairman of the board of supervisors, may determine that it is necessary to close the courthouse or other county offices/facilities. In this case, the employee will receive their normal pay based on their regularly scheduled work day. Employees and departments that serve the public during severe weather, including departments that provide snow removal and law enforcement services, are expected to report to work during severe weather conditions.”

Several board members urged caution about creating an ongoing new benefit. Multiple supervisors suggested alternatives, including treating work on a closure day like a holiday (time-and-a-half pay) for departments expected to operate during closures such as roads and law enforcement. Supporters of the floating-holiday approach said it would be a no-cost way to thank employees if the time off were taken without additional pay expense.

When the board took a roll-call vote, the result was: Haas — No; Garmin — Yes; Stecker — No; Wachter — No; Nast — No. The motion failed, 1–4.

Board members said they would revisit the item as part of a broader handbook update and look to department heads for implementation suggestions that would treat essential services fairly while protecting employee safety.

","After a lengthy debate about precedent and equity, the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors voted 1–4 against a motion to grant a floating holiday to employees who were required to work on a day the courthouse was closed due to severe weather.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Kossuth County Board commits $250,000 over five years to fair grandstand project

Votes at a glance: Kossuth County Board actions and outcomes

DD60 Sub‑4 completion hearing continued; retainage and damage claims remain unresolved

Board rejects extra paid time for employees who worked when courthouse closed during storm