County department heads report higher veteran expenditures, jail population and public-health activity

Department heads at the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors meeting on Nov. 5 delivered routine updates covering veterans services, the jail population, public health efforts, equipment purchases and maintenance work.

Brooke presented an October veterans report showing the county’s veteran population declined by 136 since 2021 while average federal expenditures per veteran rose to $11,985 — an increase of $3,254 from $8,731 in 2021. Total federal veteran-related expenditures increased $7,952,461 between 2021 and 2024; Brooke also noted a decrease in education spending ($89,871) and increases in medical-care and compensation-and-pension spending. She clarified that those figures represent federal funds coming into the county, not county expenditures.

Brad from the sheriff’s office reported the sheriff was away but the office remained busy and the jail held about 17 out-of-county detainees. The public-health representative said staff completed school immunization audits, were starting daycare audits, and continue to administer seasonal flu and COVID vaccines; she explained the high-dose flu vaccine for people 65 and older is stocked in limited minimum orders so many residents obtain that vaccine through pharmacies.

Other reports: the safety department ordered six new automated external defibrillators that can connect to phones and report battery status; maintenance staff outlined scheduled sprinkler inspections, sewer-line lining and treasurer’s office work; planning staff said one or two minor subdivisions may be ready next week.