[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6505747,"mediaKeyId","5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d","parentId",5564456,"title","Winnebago County — votes at a glance: minutes, auditors transfer, county and payroll claims approved","audioSeconds",2972,"startMs",205000,"endMs",3177000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d&start=205&end=3177","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d/thumbnail_205000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6505747/Winnebago-County/Iowa/Winnebago-County-votes-at-a-glance-minutes-auditors-transfer-county-and-payroll-claims-approved","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505747-8589081420cb1cee75b45162f63f6d6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775877811&Signature=ZQDsbN-va7hxQe2Py9faZcjl6-tiZ6TbH~AofSuT44VdVA-HIAb7u0qKqWDVCKkydrwGT7BszcxgycLErO-MlcACDhbZJI2kOZCOCIEVGYC1Si5XnEsk6i1YLCYMUB7OTKDB17YE-OGWX7SZ~f~PLip~hBOGvVLV5bENdBiaprHMRcbUeb6y5tIYHEPMKa-SjuV-DfZO2o~WqoTb9NCjhSAuQidqQlxwNaTkTqfr6eKpPRldcEPcoKnavcsMPtZkH0CAshY-5KtgWslJMHHigRDSG0qgvc-lR1f6w2gSmTIvLo7KZr093Ba-V8JLpkvmKCJjflP7PRLz6roN8PgcLw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Winnebago County","date","2025-08-12T13:56:56Z","article","The Winnebago County board recorded several routine approvals during Monday’s meeting.

- Minutes and agenda: A motion to approve the minutes and agenda as presented was made and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote.

- Auditor’s transfers: A motion to approve the auditor’s transfers was made and seconded; the motion passed by voice vote.

- County claims: A motion to approve county claims was made and seconded (motion from Derby; second from Denswold); the board approved by voice vote.

- Payroll claims: A motion to approve payroll claims was made and seconded; the board approved by voice vote.

Why it matters: These routine actions clear obligations for county operations and allow staff to proceed with disbursements, transfers and routine bookkeeping.

Ending: No contested votes or roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript; each motion passed on voice vote with “aye” recorded.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-08-12 Winnebago County Supervisors","oneSentenceSummary","At Monday’s meeting, the board approved the minutes and agenda, an auditors transfer, county claims and payroll claims; votes were taken by voice and recorded as affirmative.","taxTitle","Winnebago County, Iowa","taxId",73035,"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},6505751,"Emergency management coordinator outlines hazard-mitigation priorities; signals retirement and possible shift to sheriff’s office",736,2117000,2853000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d&start=2117&end=2853","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d/thumbnail_2117000.jpg","/articles/6505751/Winnebago-County/Iowa/Emergency-management-coordinator-outlines-hazard-mitigation-priorities-signals-retirement-and-possible-shift-to-sheriffs-office","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505751-93aaa65b60c7e9d631d2b213f2537478/orig.mp4?Expires=1775877811&Signature=oCopYgfHFMR9pimb33no04NeazZgiLsYMODtm85YgCoPoqbtGyESUjmcAcbPt1TUev2rL70pGyW~yx4r0~XyOmxL3x1qOvznIPbd4~XHTXmkU5RfWyQhQ-ybeW5KmmZuodfM4CE50oQMaPKTAeqxAsRaNh-ZdVVjVn7ZzOA5y~0Khs6TmXRQViiSatuWMsP6bfJYyNImOnVqKQ8GqnXEVW-4vF5f4-R0y90gSaLT1~KXBMEIl9-JswdrwOPfa~M9I4RLzKRqLMAAqxcY1h8pwfRbLtqY9Ux5FRC9xl05oAd9OAyvZmeD6HNZpahpMYkEPY83bAH3q4VWalh22iXQjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Winnebago County emergency management coordinator Andy Buffington reviewed a hazard-mitigation risk assessment and a 23-item mitigation checklist during Monday’s meeting and told supervisors he plans to retire within three years.

Buffington described the county’s hazard-priority list, which reflects common state guidance: extreme heat, severe weather, flood mitigation work (drainage, culverts and levees), backup generators, watershed studies, and shelter capacity. “If the county had an unlimited budget … think about, you know, for, like, extreme heat, you know, heating and cooling shelters,” Buffington said while walking supervisors through the list.

Buffington also said he will discuss long-term succession with Sheriff Hebrick because, under Iowa law, the sheriff’s office can house an emergency-management coordinator. “I will be retiring in less than three years … what I’m hoping to do is have a conversation with Sheriff Hebrick to see if we could somehow incorporate that into something,” Buffington said, noting a regionalization trend and that several counties already use shared/regional coordinators.

Why it matters: Supervisors will need to plan the transition and preserve institutional knowledge for training, regional coordination and FEMA/state grant eligibility. Buffington said there is a 30-day public-comment period before the plan is finalized and that he will forward the draft to county distribution once complete.

Next steps: Buffington will finish outreach to remaining communities, finalize the plan, and submit it for public comment and distribution to county staff. He said he will talk with the sheriff about whether the county should fold emergency communications and coordination into the sheriff’s office before his retirement.

Ending: The county will circulate the draft for a 30-day public-comment period and then return to supervisors with feedback and any recommended mitigation projects.","Winnebago County emergency management staff reviewed a state-aligned hazard mitigation checklist and told supervisors he plans to retire within three years, prompting discussion about potentially folding emergency communications into the sheriff’s office under Iowa Code 29C.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6505755,"Winnebago County officials weigh $30,000 river cleanup as drainage districts, property owners spar over cost",322,1306000,1628000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d&start=1306&end=1628","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d/thumbnail_1306000.jpg","/articles/6505755/Winnebago-County/Iowa/Winnebago-County-officials-weigh-30000-river-cleanup-as-drainage-districts-property-owners-spar-over-cost","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505755-93223d2738a0e2dbef1310e027bc0d30/orig.mp4?Expires=1775877811&Signature=ESmZ~dV4wzuwFlgdXgSuRletIUiWL2Y8qUcCOPsCaT0rj3SodRqMOJKuwT19OEt3SNPXPrPj7pwOlFchaaZc6cc~Nq4G2H0t2Y3T~XKm2RuuxRv8fadCdzNb75BCBFRSoSE8AugePrLW7lRxMYsCZTTtbbqlvPiDbXzbi1NyuqWRHRF0WtfXhtleGhTIfVT9Bo0bMQ-0BOdLxsb87HgOyHLAZGMtijXCoLLw9s56FKB94p8L-TjUBA8igIaNKZVWVRfIA8UsM2Jvo-PO4BQg2O5zhGFrhwt5JaheGaB42chT21M0ph-4ZXCTIGTXm8w1XKLqKKp57Hp5xUS7KZPNJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Winnebago County officials discussed multiple drainage problems tied to the Winnebago River on Monday, including large trees and sediment blocking flow near several outlets and a proposed cleanup estimated at about $30,000.

“Right where D.D.1 dumps … it definitely affects that,” a supervisor said when describing trees and debris obstructing an outlet. The same speaker said county staff had not yet determined how to bill cleanup costs to affected landowners or drainage districts.

Why it matters: Officials said the blockage is reducing capacity and affecting upstream properties. One supervisor noted that, if the $30,000 job were spread across the district, individual assessments could be modest, but they also said assigning costs fairly and securing property-owner permission to remove private trees will complicate the project.

County staff described options: 1) handle it as a drainage-district repair and bill the district; 2) pursue a volunteer or coordinated removal; or 3) negotiate with landowners for permission to remove private trees. “We just didn’t figure out a way to bill anybody,” a supervisor said.

Tile and road issues were discussed elsewhere in the meeting. Staff reported plans to install an access (manhole/inspection hole) in a road to provide maintenance access so crews can jet the tile from either direction, and they said jetting will be used as a recurring maintenance technique.

What was not decided: No funding or specific assessment was approved. Supervisors said they would seek estimates and explore drainage-district billing options but acknowledged property-owner consent and legal limits could affect the timeline.

Ending: Officials said they will collect bids and consider whether drainage districts can be assessed for the work, while also pursuing lower-cost maintenance options such as periodic jetting and installing inspection access points.","County supervisors discussed tree-blocked channels on the Winnebago River and a proposed $30,000 cleanup that would likely be charged to affected drainage districts; officials said property-owner cooperation will be necessary for tree removal and downstream benefits.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6505760,"Residents urge pause on new Bitcoin-mining permits; board of adjustment meeting set",299,338000,637000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d&start=338&end=637","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5564456-2b36ad149c93d382f0add6115e40772d/thumbnail_338000.jpg","/articles/6505760/Winnebago-County/Iowa/Residents-urge-pause-on-new-Bitcoin-mining-permits-board-of-adjustment-meeting-set","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6505760-e42e8fcc320896fa29020720901d7ab3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775877811&Signature=QPt3WHAGxUKPHx6Bjr-edxorrRXBzKsZeHUZUqigzwkmD0RtWbPYJiqU4LXAC~7DoqMYXfZxtzvc3cXN4kT~Cub8Bwd4kTof3qThLtGdX~L4~sHveWGgiBQ227ja3lEyz6ZCCOylGYk~2hiDYu~OOmHGnhv1Bqmvf44K~wmWhJh8evO9e9iIwCGlPUHx428K3C66GlnjMy5llPtdl1R9wna7MpavTyTIMsZfqCZlsNIcNa0cwgdffD0f9X4j5dXMFebYsJOohgjkQgY3d97FIULYV14HDuwKxYiCES~5AdjbK8xOCbiMRVUIclMnZbpEQn4jv3B9YTHppNVkOZOm6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents asked Winnebago County officials on Monday to halt new building permits for Bitcoin-mining operations until the county’s board of adjustment reviews whether the sites fit local zoning rules.

The concern came during an extended public-comment exchange about two existing mining operations and recent permits issued under the county’s home-occupancy classification. “Maybe put up temporary moratorium on new building permits for Bitcoin mines,” said a resident who identified concerns about using home-occupancy rules for sites where no one lives. The resident added that a requested board of adjustment review from October had not yet happened.

Why it matters: Residents said the lack of timely review let a second permit be issued under the same classification before the board could weigh in. They said that, if the board had met earlier, it might have found the use inconsistent with home-occupancy rules and prevented the second permit.

County administrator Matt (administrator) told commenters a board-of-adjustment meeting will be scheduled once one party submits the paperwork referenced in an email. “That’s the plan,” Matt said when asked whether the Golden Noble Substation matter and related permits would be on the agenda.

Commenters also raised taxation and valuation questions. One speaker said the Department of Revenue determined a January case is being taxed through the county and that county valuation for one site showed a $220,000 building valuation; the speaker said equipment value is higher but that tax billing had been routed through Heartland Power where no lease existed.

Speakers said the county has two approved Bitcoin-mining sites: one at a mobile/global site and another near the Waste Management facility. When asked, Matt confirmed both existing sites “are approved.” A resident pressed whether both current and pending permits would be reviewed at the board-of-adjustment meeting; Matt answered yes.

What was not decided: No formal moratorium or change to permit fees or zoning rules was approved at the meeting. Board members and staff discussed scheduling the board-of-adjustment meeting and promised direct notification to the resident who requested it.

Next steps: County staff said they will wait for the missing paperwork and then schedule the board-of-adjustment meeting to consider the Golden Noble Substation and the related building-permit inquiries. A resident requested that Matt notify them directly when the meeting is set.

Ending: Residents and staff agreed to follow up once the outstanding documentation arrives; no formal policy or fee change was adopted at Monday’s meeting.","Residents at a Winnebago County meeting pressed county staff to delay approval of more Bitcoin-mining building permits issued under home-occupancy rules and requested a timely board of adjustment review; county staff said a board meeting will be scheduled once outstanding paperwork arrives.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Winnebago County — votes at a glance: minutes, auditors transfer, county and payroll claims approved

Emergency management coordinator outlines hazard-mitigation priorities; signals retirement and possible shift to sheriff’s office

Winnebago County officials weigh $30,000 river cleanup as drainage districts, property owners spar over cost

Residents urge pause on new Bitcoin-mining permits; board of adjustment meeting set