Supervisors renew juvenile court services contract; express concern about county liability

The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors approved a contract amendment on May 13 with the Iowa Judicial Branch Juvenile Court Services, First Judicial District, to enable the county to continue providing agent services for intensive community support funds from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

Several supervisors raised concerns during discussion about the county's exposure under the contract. One supervisor said the agreement places a "huge amount of liability" on the county while providing little direct compensation. The supervisor asked that future contracts provide the county with stronger protections or compensation where possible.

Michelle Wheaton, identified at the meeting as finance director, said the county requires the judicial branch to verify and approve payments for juveniles in facilities and that the verification process has improved confidence the county is only paying for juveniles for whom it is financially responsible. Wheaton said, "I feel much more confident that the county is only paying for our juveniles that are our responsibility and that have been approved to be placed in facilities." The board discussed the state's statutory structure and previous attempts to push back on contract terms but noted limited negotiating leverage because some space and service terms are statutorily required.

The resolution to approve the contract amendment was moved, seconded and adopted by roll call. No changes to the contract text were made at the meeting; supervisors asked staff to continue to press for clearer terms in future negotiations and to monitor payments closely.