Bremer County supervisors approve 55¢ mileage rate, personnel moves and two rezoning ordinances

Bremer County supervisors on Tuesday approved a $0.55‑per‑mile reimbursement rate for the fourth calendar quarter of 2025, authorized routine claims and payroll changes, and adopted second readings of two ordinances that rezone private parcels and clear the way for a new unmanned fueling site.

The board moved quickly through routine business at the county courthouse. Supervisor Corey moved to set the mileage rate at 55¢ per mile; Bob seconded the motion and members voiced approval, with the chair voting aye. The board then approved previously circulated claims and authorized the auditor to issue checks.

In personnel actions, the board confirmed several changes: Lynn Anhalt was elevated to an 80% deputy position in the recorder’s office, Jackie Brown was assigned to the recorder’s office at $22 per hour, and Tad Chapin was hired for secondary roads at $27.11 per hour. The supervisors voted to approve the payroll additions and changes.

The board debated the readability and public value of a statutorily required annual urban renewal report. Staff said the report must remain detailed for audit purposes; some supervisors urged adding or pursuing a simpler public summary so residents could more easily understand taxing‑district activity. Despite concerns about public comprehension, the board approved and filed the report.

On land‑use items, the board opened public hearings on Ordinance 25‑04 and Ordinance 25‑05. There were no written objections reported for either. Ordinance 25‑04 rezones an existing parcel to permit a new house and passed on its second reading with the third reading waived. Ordinance 25‑05, filed for Farmers Win Co‑op, will permit an unmanned fueling site with above‑ground tanks that the applicant said would serve both the co‑op and the public; the applicant estimated construction would start in about 10 business days and hoped the facility would be operational by year end. The board approved the second reading of 25‑05 and waived the third reading.

Separately, the board authorized the sheriff’s office to provide temporary custodial services at the Bremer‑Waverly Law Enforcement Center while the long‑time custodian retires and a replacement is sought. Supervisors agreed the sheriff will bill the law board and the law board will reimburse the county on a prorated monthly basis.

What happens next: the ordinances require any necessary permits from other authorities and are final after code processing; the county will place the urban renewal report on public record and the sheriff will bill the law board for custodial service reimbursements as discussed.

Quotes from the meeting: "I move to set the mileage reimbursement rate for fourth quarter calendar year 25 of 55¢." — Supervisor (mover) as read during the motion. "Moved by Bronkhorst, seconded by Cywinski to approve the claims as presented and authorize the auditor to issue checks." — Clerk's motion explaining claims approval. "Construction would probably start in probably 10 business days ... we hope to have the facility operational by the end of the year." — Applicant describing the Farmers Win Co‑op fueling site.

Context and process notes: the board's approvals were procedural and recorded by voice and roll call where required. Several supervisors raised concerns about the accessibility of lengthy state‑mandated reports and suggested pursuing a simplified public summary; the board did not alter the statutory report but approved filing it as presented.

Ending: With routine items disposed of, the board moved to the next presentations and adjourned at the end of its agenda.