Winneshiek supervisors back drafting ISAC amicus letter on eminent domain; possible small financial support to be considered
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Summary
Supervisors agreed to have Andy draft a letter supporting an ISAC amicus brief asking counties to retain decision-making control over eminent domain issues; the board will consider a monetary contribution and place the item for action next week.
Winneshiek County supervisors discussed joining an ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) amicus brief related to a pipeline project and the broader question of county authority over eminent domain. Board members said they favor maintaining county control and asked staff to prepare a letter for formal consideration.
One supervisor said the matter "has come down to home rule," characterizing the issue as one that touches county authority; the meeting record shows 44 counties had already signed on to the brief and a supervisor said he would like Winneshiek County to be the 45th. The board reached consensus for Andy to draft the letter; the item will appear on next week’s agenda to allow the board to consider attaching a small financial contribution, with staff asked to report how many counties have provided monetary support.
No formal monetary appropriation was made at the meeting. Andy (attending online) confirmed he would prepare the draft letter for the board’s review. The board asked to see a recommended dollar amount next week so it can decide whether to contribute.
Next steps: Andy will circulate a draft support letter and staff will report back on how many counties have provided funding so the board may consider a dollar amount at the next meeting.