Wayne County approves vehicle and radio purchases, pays $266,116 in claims and hears regional funding concerns

At the June 24 meeting the Wayne County Board of Supervisors approved capital asset additions for the Conservation Department (a 2022 Subaru Outback purchased for $29,752 from Ramsey Subaru, 10‑year useful life) and radio equipment for patrol vehicle S93‑1 from Racom for $12,333.71 (5‑year useful life). Lance Lange made the motion to add the vehicle and equipment to capital assets; Todd Wilson seconded and the motions passed unanimously.

The board also recorded claims paid on June 11 (including the Subaru payment) and June 24; the claims listing in the minutes totaled $266,115.75. Notable entries in the claims list included a FY23 audit payment to the Office of Auditor of State for $77,173.90 and culvert/road materials and services reported elsewhere on the agenda.

Supervisors shared updates from recent regional meetings: Lange reported attendance at Chariton Valley and a human trafficking training (the minutes note Iowa is ranked third nationally for human trafficking cases); Moore reported Heart of Iowa Mental Health Region administrative details (claims processing through Sept. 30, Dallas County remains fiscal agent) and observed that recent legislation could allow mental‑health liabilities to be assigned back to counties; Wilson reported on Chariton Valley TAC, Southern Iowa Area Crime Commission budget matters, and an emergency South‑Central Iowa Workforce Development Area meeting addressing an 18% budget cut and the director’s departure. During public comment, Don Seams described concerns with DECAT, Milestone programs and reductions in Workforce Development funding that could push services toward regionalization.

The board scheduled its next regular meeting for July 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and adjourned at 10:38 a.m.