Henry County commissioners on Dec. 23 approved a set of departmental budgets and carried a motion to contract with an outside county attorney for 2026.

During the morning session commissioners reviewed and voted to approve several budgets, including law enforcement training, inmate security, sheriff civil and revolving funds, court administration, GIS, road and bridge, prosecuting attorney and victim’s advocate funds. The motion to approve the listed budgets was moved by Commissioner Mark Larson, seconded by Commissioner Jake Bradley and carried on a roll-call vote with the three commissioners recorded as voting yes.

The board also reviewed a proposed contract with attorney Ivan Schrader for calendar year 2026. The transcript records that Commissioner Bradley moved to enter into the contract with Schrader and Commissioner Larson seconded; the motion carried on a roll-call vote (Larson, Bradley, Stone recorded yes).

Why it matters: Annual budget approvals and legal contract agreements establish county spending priorities and retain outside counsel for county business and litigation needs. The meeting record shows the commission voted to accept the presented budgets and to contract for legal services for 2026.

What’s next: Staff will finalize contract paperwork and administratively implement the approved budgets. The commission reconvened in the afternoon and recorded additional procedural votes related to budget timing and adjournment.

Votes at a glance: Minutes approval (voice vote) — carried; Budget approvals (roll call) — Larson moved/Bradley seconded, carried (Stone/Bradley/Larson yes); Contract with Ivan Schrader for 2026 — moved and seconded, carried (Larson/Bradley/Stone yes).