Benton County Board cites Iowa age limit, ends full-time service of deputy Jeffrey Harnish

The Benton County Board of Supervisors on April 7 approved Resolution #26-22 acknowledging that Deputy Jeffrey Harnish will reach Iowa’s statutory maximum age for full-time peace officers and that his full-time employment will end on April 11, 2026.

The resolution cites Iowa Code § 321.477(5), which sets the maximum age for a full-time peace officer at 65, and states that upon reaching that age Harnish “will no longer be eligible for full-time employment as a peace officer under Iowa law.” The document directs that Harnish remain on paid administrative leave through April 10, 2026 and states the county “shall not retain Jeffery Harnish in part-time employment following that date.”

Supervisor Volz moved to approve the resolution, Tippett seconded, and the board recorded all members voting aye on the motion. The resolution also includes a formal expression of thanks: “The Board expresses its sincere appreciation and gratitude to Jeffrey Harnish for his years of dedicated service to Benton County and its citizens.”

Because the action was taken under an explicit statutory limitation, the decision reflected an administrative personnel separation required by state law rather than a disciplinary finding by the Board. The board’s formal action and the cited Iowa Code provision are on file with the Auditor’s office.

No public comments opposing the resolution were recorded in the meeting minutes. The county did not indicate in the meeting record any plans to retain Harnish in a part-time capacity after April 11, 2026.