Resident urges year-round county budget oversight as budget season approaches

Cindy Van Fossen urged the Page County Board of Supervisors to begin regular, year-round financial oversight and to examine county personnel costs ahead of the fiscal 2026 budget process.

Van Fossen said supervisors “meet every week and never receive or discuss any county finance report,” and asked how taxpayers can judge whether the supervisors are managing county revenues and expenditures outside of the formal budget period. She urged the board to “start discussing county finances in an open meeting.”

Why it matters: Van Fossen told the board that proposals from an Iowa task force on public compensation have stirred debate and highlighted concerns about public pay relative to the private sector. She said taxpayers deserve ongoing transparency because spending decisions made between budget cycles affect the county’s financial position.

Board context: Van Fossen noted that “budget calculations will begin in December for fiscal '26,” and said that preparations should start now. Her remarks took place during the public-comment portion of the meeting; the board did not take formal action in response during the session.

Discussion versus decision: The comments were public input; the transcript records no motion or staff assignment in direct response. The board did not vote on a requirement to provide regular financial reports during the meeting.

Background and next steps: Van Fossen referenced recommendations under discussion by an Iowa task force on public compensation but did not identify any specific county positions for change. The board’s formal budget calendar begins in December for fiscal 2026, per Van Fossen’s remarks.

Ending: Van Fossen concluded by repeating her request that the supervisors “please start looking for ways to cut spending” and thanked the board. No follow-up action or timeline was recorded in the meeting minutes.