Pottawattamie supervisors direct speed‑reduction signs for Neola, move to formalize jurisdiction before reinstating stop signs

A majority of the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors voted to direct the county’s Secondary Roads Department to install stepdown speed‑reduction signage at the north and south city limits of Neola on Railroad Highway, following presentations from local officials, residents and county engineers.

Neola officials and residents asked the board to reinstate a four‑way stop at Front Street and Railroad Highway, arguing repeated speeding has put pedestrians and children at risk. The board heard that a January 2025 engineering study concluded the intersection did not meet MUTCD warrants for a four‑way stop; the county engineer recommended first adding transitional speed signs (for example, stepping traffic from 55 to 45 to 35 to 25 mph per MUTCD guidance) and then reassessing stop‑control warrants once speeds are reduced.

“Based off of that initial review of updating the speed limits, then we can enforce the appropriate speeds in town and ... take a look at whether stop signs are warranted,” the county engineer said during the meeting.

Law enforcement representatives told the board they could increase patrols and would enforce any signs the board authorized but cautioned that signage must follow the correct process to avoid liability and ensure enforceability. A sheriff’s office representative noted there had been one recorded accident on the frontage street in the last ten years but supported further traffic control measures and enforcement.

After extended discussion about a path forward, Supervisor Wickman moved and a fellow supervisor seconded a motion to direct Secondary Roads to place speed‑reduction signs on Railroad Highway at Neola’s northern and southern city limits. The board approved the motion by voice vote. The board also asked county legal staff to draft a 28E intergovernmental agreement with Neola that would formalize how signage and related responsibilities are handled on farm‑to‑market roads; county staff said a draft could be ready within a week for board review.

Supporters of immediate stop‑sign reinstatement said they were concerned about waiting. One Neola council member said: “Tomorrow some little kid gets hit. I want you guys to come and explain that to his parents.” County staff and several supervisors urged completing the 28E agreement and placing transitional signage promptly to reduce speed while the formal agreement is finalized.

Board members also discussed practicalities including placement of warning signs, snow‑removal access and whether the city or county would install and maintain signs under the forthcoming agreement. County staff said, if the agreement is approved by the board and Neola’s council, the county could proceed with stop‑control installation consistent with the agreement.

Next steps: county legal will draft the 28E agreement and place it on the board agenda next week; Secondary Roads will begin moving forward with MUTCD‑compliant speed‑reduction signage once authorized.