[{"_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",6214602,"mediaKeyId","3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2","parentId",3666196,"title","Supervisors approve land‑use change to add residence to existing shop on 4.57‑acre Benton County parcel","audioSeconds",141,"startMs",1375000,"endMs",1516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2&start=1375&end=1516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2/thumbnail_1375000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6214602/Benton-County/Iowa/Supervisors-approve-landuse-change-to-add-residence-to-existing-shop-on-457acre-Benton-County-parcel","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214602-698ac90cd5e7d76e772831d0ebc0b510/orig.mp4?Expires=1775041619&Signature=nYwNb~0CkzGlI7Tubvb~tmAVjeLZ6tFIu~pYzpaZt9STQB34oj9IF9JOLVHrz7-cRMG6cBlf33pIuofhES0l02l-BKE3wYw5Pz4YQ~1s2a8Fbtv3G1J-1czmoh4~2rHaSkp0nI-seyPupGkJEo03qc8hmDYxaMYBI8e1TCDuyIO8HMjp1qK3YdZlv0fiIfGObYxYCeshqBlz~LznJH5xUrPWWmRcafMAapsiXjRIqRFvPkPnsz6BaYRxruWkphlNpOIClEKPTyaU~ePJHPOhjJUZIjSu1~yNTOrMTeyUkhq6VfvpIU4jQtuJvYmnvybi5GnqqwLumRMojtoK0j~Osw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Benton County, Iowa","date","2025-06-04T03:33:58Z","article","The Benton County Board of Supervisors approved a change‑of‑use request from Kevin and Susan Hagan to allow an additional residence to be added to an existing shop on a 4.57‑acre parcel in Section 9 of Payne Township.

Planning staff reported the parcel has a corn suitability (stability) rating of 95 but is part of an original farmstead that has not been in agricultural production since adoption of the county ordinance. The property already includes a dwelling that will remain; the new residence is an additional dwelling on the same parcel. Staff said four adjacent property owners received notice and no comments were received.

Infrastructure and technical details: The shop has plumbing and a holding tank; a secondary treatment system is required for the additional residence and a site visit indicated a containerized media filter would be needed following the existing septic tank. A private well southeast of the existing dwelling will serve the new residence. The planning presenter said the area surrounding the site is row crops but the portion at issue is lawn/original farmstead and no division or removal from agricultural production is planned.

Board action: A supervisor moved to approve the land‑use request for Kevin and Susan Hagan (described as a partial of the Northeast 1/4 and Southeast 1/4, Section 9); the motion was seconded and approved by the board.

Next steps: County staff will proceed with permitting and ensure required secondary treatment installation and permitting are completed before the additional dwelling is occupied.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06/03/25 Board of Supervisors Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved a request by Kevin and Susan Hagan to allow an additional residence within an existing shop on a 4.57‑acre parcel in Payne Township; county staff found the site to be part of an original farmstead not in agricultural production and noted septic and water arrangements were in place.","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},6214607,"Board approves DOT agreement for I‑380 bridge joint repairs; county to handle surface debris and snow removal",205,4642000,4847000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2&start=4642&end=4847","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2/thumbnail_4642000.jpg","/articles/6214607/Benton-County/Iowa/Board-approves-DOT-agreement-for-I380-bridge-joint-repairs-county-to-handle-surface-debris-and-snow-removal","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214607-35e2570e43fa14213c18f8bb9f39f239/orig.mp4?Expires=1775041619&Signature=Jt-KlP5MWtVnu7rBC6LVDHfxv1Gsfs~ZhQOR-6XyEK50reyx3mn0BxNeVsfqmL51CI8Prh1WIPp8yK8-QqIKn6wP8iBx1chLHnn099iqiNEipD7kxJc5GH8Iwwjf3Vy~KwpQG6jJYK94UK147a1ycsY3DLkfNIj8PeEcK-WhjxhCQR02vVMXn0tS6sFoTONG3lK5my~rPtx-ZImmVoyaUOwUlzKkssfJqCx4pyD3UiPiRtvjPE2TjwLcdZiCkDSfllZIqVm4E5tx7ff2O~5sUi3ko8PXFqpykZHC8bYDF1ZAQU4JQxtRy9tbwGdU5uDfPRL-xT6tIwSmaDJkkQ33nA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Benton County Board of Supervisors approved a preconstruction agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for deck joint repair on the I‑380 overpass at the 50 Fourth Street interchange.

The county engineer reported the DOT plans could require a full closure of the bridge deck while maintaining the on‑ and off‑ramps; detours would use the nearest north and south interchanges. The engineer said the DOT expects to cover construction costs and design work, while the county will be responsible for clearing debris and providing snow removal on county roads that are used as detour routes. The engineer estimated a possible project duration measured in weeks (five to seven weeks was cited as an example), though the DOT’s timeline could vary.

Board action: A supervisor moved to approve DOT Agreement 2025‑CD‑008 for deck joint repair of the I‑380 overpass at 50 Fourth Street; the motion passed by voice vote.

Why it matters: The project could temporarily limit direct east‑west travel across that overpass; local roads used as detours could experience added traffic and require additional county maintenance. County staff asked the DOT to participate in maintenance costs if detour traffic increases wear on county roads, and the engineer said the DOT has participated in similar arrangements in past projects.

Next steps: The board chair and auditor will sign the DOT preconstruction agreement; county staff will monitor DOT scheduling, coordinate detour communications and confirm any cost‑sharing arrangements if detour traffic necessitates additional county maintenance.","The board approved DOT agreement 2025‑CD‑008 for deck joint repair on the I‑380 overpass at 50 Fourth Street; DOT will fund and perform the repair and may close the bridge for several weeks, while the county will be responsible for debris and snow clearing on local road surfaces affected by detours.",{"_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},6214612,"Board tables decision to keep MHDS staff on county payroll while regional system reorganizes",1761,2767000,4528000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2&start=2767&end=4528","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2/thumbnail_2767000.jpg","/articles/6214612/Benton-County/Iowa/Board-tables-decision-to-keep-MHDS-staff-on-county-payroll-while-regional-system-reorganizes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214612-4b0b4ffcc0948a7f2c74909ca6e15993/orig.mp4?Expires=1775041619&Signature=cAWZS1g00xTlSrc~5pIsjdrbyMYwQrOJ~uDmAhCVR9n~K45V5BhuVCSlPS~rgv41z~1m3nDb9CNdMQtWMbmIaUHBuQ15E5MW3q2Fe9Mztx3MVJ6M32I6SPVbTIS6JXN0HIN8jzOmm8TCSRf0n3pZp4SgNwL14yFLBfGvN3w~TpW5hUOdcCmpNB8ODpGJ4LcGgunX0aEmceNIMh9nkTIDnBVRefctQQD0flU8VrNVK7coXj~z3zZQxgUuX-RVX6XtHmD2ixIuq8TIJCiYuzMg5BC2mCEzNA9~L1kKnLmFAAw4kRaxuwdJBiURstAcO2oPKp0aLIFbtdJ9ol8dRB4Hcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Deb Seymour‑Guard, finance coordinator for the MHDS East Central Region and newly appointed CFO for the state’s Disability Access Point (DAP), briefed the Benton County Board of Supervisors on regional reorganizations and asked the county to remain the employer of record for one staff member for fiscal year 2026.

Seymour‑Guard explained that state legislation and administrative reorganization (including House File 2673 and prior funding changes) have moved behavioral health funding and operations away from the 13‑region model and into districts and a centralized DAP. She said the DAP awarded a contract for district 7 but Benton County is not included in that district; as a transitional measure the DAP asked counties to retain certain employees as employer of record for one year while an employer‑of‑record procurement is completed.

Request and assets: Seymour‑Guard asked Benton County to remain the employer of record for Sarah Wagner for fiscal 2026. \"Sarah's wages and benefits will be fully reimbursed by the DAP with payments made prior to the start of every month,\" she said. She also requested transfer of region‑owned assets that were purchased or reimbursed by the region — specifically two vehicles (a Jeep Renegade and a Dodge Journey), one portable printer, one cell phone and possibly up to three desks — for use by the DAP hubs.

Board concerns and clarifications: Supervisors and auditor staff asked about payroll timing, insurance, liability and budget authority. The auditor staff explained Benton County will need spending authority in its FY26 budget to pay wages and then receive monthly reimbursement; the county attorney asked to review the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and asked staff to research the county’s liability for an employee working out of another county hub. Seymour‑Guard said the DAP would cover liability insurance and that the employee would be housed in Johnson County while remaining on Benton County payroll for the year.

Board action: A supervisor moved to table the request for two weeks to allow the county attorney, auditor and staff to review the MOU, payroll timing and insurance implications. The motion passed.

Next steps: County staff will forward the MOU to the county attorney for legal review, confirm budget/spending authority and confirm payroll/insurance handling, then return the item to the board at the requested date.","MHDS East Central Region requested that Benton County remain employer of record for one employee (Sarah) for fiscal 2026 and asked the county to transfer region‑owned assets to the new Disability Access Point (DAP); supervisors voted to table the employment and asset transfer request for two weeks pending legal and budget review.",{"_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},6214616,"Benton County supervisors vote to close in‑house HR department; day‑to‑day functions to move to auditor",398,2151000,2549000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2&start=2151&end=2549","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2/thumbnail_2151000.jpg","/articles/6214616/Benton-County/Iowa/Benton-County-supervisors-vote-to-close-inhouse-HR-department-daytoday-functions-to-move-to-auditor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214616-f75ab2cf7842f9b38ec6a29b62dd858f/orig.mp4?Expires=1775041619&Signature=BAp6cfEleHtPUnhqWW2GAfagmPFzrShFUxUuzbITB0-VplYDtVrmb3qEGJZuiMb7vac0GdC6C8kC7--jx1~bj9aRhvm8B8k164l9SN0HkB5XDDp2csmmc32-XplQsNnPdPb4QNrto0VtLbxIvrOx1CIoxs-8Hjz2wPBCiFiv0RcZbnEhpu~Tt4tlagYzUYbhkdkRwXI6Kh1tKIlpu63wMS0~snpNsI9q1yD5oLFlHP8Lmw4HSlRNnIiRwp53WxoqVB-AwunJJYQj8zSIyjbKFdZa6HnfbUj4he24ImwD3T8azedlKrCHCXgIVAjmnSGY40JcJVUZHu8Md-8oLMzf6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Benton County Board of Supervisors voted to close the county’s in‑house human resources department effective July 1, 2025, and to shift routine HR operations to the auditor’s office.

During discussion, supervisors and staff said the change is part of the county’s budget decisions and the plan is to outsource specialized functions as needed. A supervisor summarized, \"The department, yes. But if there was a need for some outside help that the HR department would do, then that would be done on an as‑needed basis.\"

Why it matters: Supervisors and staff said closing the HR department will reduce ongoing staffing costs but warned it requires clear lines for handling personnel complaints, investigations, union contract issues and payroll. County officials said insurance and the county attorney currently handle many investigations, and that those relationships will continue. One supervisor stressed that removing a central HR function can make early intervention less likely and suggested the county still needs resources to prevent disputes from escalating.

Implementation details: The board directed that day‑to‑day HR paperwork and onboarding will be administered by the auditor’s office; insurance and the county attorney will remain the gatekeepers for legal claims and investigations. Supervisors discussed ensuring union contracts are aligned with handbook language before changes take effect and acknowledged some work may be hired out to outside firms (for mediation or specialized investigations). The county will notify employees about where to direct personnel questions and how to initiate complaints.

Board action: A supervisor moved that the county close the HR department effective the last day of June 2025 (with July 1 suggested as acceptable); the motion passed during the meeting. Supervisors asked the auditor’s office to coordinate communications and any needed transitional arrangements, including payroll and benefit deductions.

Concerns and clarifications: Supervisors asked how employee insurance and payroll deductions will be handled during the transition; staff said the auditor’s office will maintain payroll and that insurance premium timing may require minor administrative steps but reimbursement mechanisms are in place. The board emphasized that county attorney review and coordination with the insurance carrier would be used to manage liability and formal complaints.

Next steps: The auditor’s office will set up operational processes, inform staff where to take HR matters, and coordinate with the county attorney and insurer on protocols for investigations and claims.","The board approved closing the county's HR department effective July 1, 2025; routine HR tasks will shift to the auditor’s office, insurance and the county attorney will handle investigations and claims as needed, and some services may be contracted out.",{"_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},6214622,"Residents urge Benton County to amend Ordinance 37 to target behavior, not breed",544,293000,837000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2&start=293&end=837","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3666196-7e83ea17b6bc7a9f0783cce72e55eed2/thumbnail_293000.jpg","/articles/6214622/Benton-County/Iowa/Residents-urge-Benton-County-to-amend-Ordinance-37-to-target-behavior-not-breed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6214622-c4af650a3621d52f675b877b4e890bb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1775041619&Signature=HWFIwWqQ5PEqjTCBs1XMkHwG6sYv9zAmdsHO-5k41ctg6d~r0HpHVVDrpuf5zsB5Y7bRK-5G2IhiArPLWLzCsQYBWCj19XEmMVEJCnJr9Vepdl2lM2VmejFaujbjK23neHW6Hsve9RckrH02dui8fhQ0vyRhIe09ylmx8FfDa4kU13qJYthklezHxD4iij-9qWpg7O9jYoRTqenJ9NR9nwGKoGlZ8kqLELRSsdWTkhB1MgNRtkm9g1jofIuTLNkQ9etST-hGvW-6JNyiHsAFmayyVYZz6V2aGU9YiKfPvOzfg1PYi6fCnRcTeHK-mx~YlQjPHkvm0jdnJ5lIJAlPeA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kelly DeLong and family members urged the Benton County Board of Supervisors to revise Ordinance 37 to focus on animal behavior and mandatory custody after a serious attack, rather than penalizing dogs by breed.

DeLong told the board, \"Ordinance 37 stands as one of the most outdated and just animal laws in the state of Iowa. It punishes dogs based on breed rather than behavior, promoting fear instead of fairness.\" She proposed that an animal that kills without provocation while off its owner’s property \"shall be immediately taken into custody by animal control or law enforcement for evaluation.\"

Why it matters: Speakers said the current ordinance delays decisive action and leaves neighbors, children and other animals at risk. Leslie Narriette, who identified herself as DeLong’s sister, said Benton County’s standard requiring two attacks within 12 months prevents timely intervention. \"This ordinance requires a second attack before actionable steps can be taken,\" she said, adding that when she reported an attack to Linn County animal control, \"within hours, the dogs were removed.\" The speakers asked the board to consider language that would permit removal or secure confinement after a verified fatal attack or repeated trespass incidents.

Most important facts: DeLong asked that custody and disposition follow a verified fatal attack and proposed verification by credible witness, photographs or video, or veterinary confirmation. She suggested either humane euthanasia (if a veterinarian confirms the animal poses a threat) or strict quarantine/transfer to a secure facility, with owners responsible for seizure, housing, evaluation and disposition costs. DeLong also asked that persistent off‑property trespass documented in video should be a punishable offense.

Board response and process: Board members cautioned about procedural limits and the county’s role as an appellate body for certain animal control orders. A supervisor referenced a procedural citation noted in the meeting (recorded as \"3313026\") and reminded speakers that ordinance changes require multiple public hearings and public notice. A supervisor asked DeLong to email a copy of Lynn County’s ordinance; DeLong said she would send a PDF. The board did not take immediate action on the proposal at this meeting.

Other details: DeLong recommended mirroring Lynn County’s approach, which she said removes dogs after a single fatal attack regardless of breed. Speakers emphasized consistency in enforcement and clearer definitions and penalties for repeat offenses. No bill number or formal ordinance text was introduced during the public comment; the board directed staff to research comparable ordinances and the notice and hearing requirements necessary to advance any amendment to Chapter 37.

Next steps: Supervisors requested staff and counsel review model ordinances and the county’s procedural obligations; DeLong agreed to provide Lynn County’s ordinance by email for the board’s consideration.","Speakers at the Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting asked the board to revise Chapter 37 to allow earlier custody and disposition of dogs that attack or repeatedly trespass, proposing verification standards and owner financial responsibility; supervisors asked staff to research other counties' ordinances and the necessary procedural steps.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Supervisors approve land‑use change to add residence to existing shop on 4.57‑acre Benton County parcel

Board approves DOT agreement for I‑380 bridge joint repairs; county to handle surface debris and snow removal

Board tables decision to keep MHDS staff on county payroll while regional system reorganizes

Benton County supervisors vote to close in‑house HR department; day‑to‑day functions to move to auditor

Residents urge Benton County to amend Ordinance 37 to target behavior, not breed