Conservation director gets approval to fill naturalist intern post; campground work progressing toward September
Summary
Muscatine County's Conservation Director received board approval to fill a budgeted naturalist intern position for FY26 and reported progress on campground construction, including scheduled delivery of the Huffcut shower house and projected September system testing and potential opening.
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors approved a request from Conservation Director Katie Hammond to fill a budgeted naturalist intern position for fiscal year 2026 and received an update on campground construction and building waterproofing.
Hammond asked the board to fill a naturalist intern position that was included in the FY26 budget. She said the position will be full time for the duration of the internship, typically 37.5 hours per week, and that funding became available July 1. The board moved to approve filling the position and voted aye.
Why it matters: The hire will provide seasonal staffing for nature programs and help the conservation department run education and recreational activities next season.
Hammond also reported on recent storm-related water intrusion at two county buildings; she described no major damage and said a new roof and gutter system appeared to be performing well in the courthouse attic. She said a planned waterproofing project for the Community Services Building should address foundation issues identified after recent rains.
Campground update: Hammond said campground work is progressing quickly: pads have been poured, roads graded, utility pads near camping pads remain to be done and sewer pipes are scheduled to be pressure-tested with water this week. She said the contractor's projection is September for completion and potential opening. Hammond noted the Huffcut shower house is scheduled to be set or delivered by crane on Monday, July 28; a precise time was not provided.
Board members asked procedural questions and received clarifications about hours for the intern (not to exceed 40 hours per week) and construction sequencing. No changes to the board's approval were recorded.
Hammond also described a well-attended park event with community participation, live animals and geocaching; she said the planned evening parade was canceled because of a tornado watch and will be rescheduled.
The board approved the intern hire and heard the construction updates; staff will return with further progress reports as work continues.
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