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Franklin County supervisors adopt 5-year roads plan, require road-use agreements for battery storage projects
Summary
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the fiscal 2027 Secondary Roads budget and five-year construction program, awarded a $35,250 contract for the GAR Memorial Hall roof, approved two FY2027 nonprofit agreements and directed Planning & Zoning to consider road‑use agreements for battery storage projects on May 27.
The Franklin County Board of Supervisors on April 28 unanimously adopted the 2027 fiscal year Secondary Roads budget and the county's Five-Year Secondary Roads Construction Program and approved several county contracts and nonprofit funding items.
Supervisor Lukensmeyer and Supervisor McVicker moved and seconded the agenda and minutes approvals at the start of the 8:30 a.m. meeting; both motions carried unanimously. The Board then approved RESOLUTION #2026-39, adopting the Secondary Roads budget and construction program required under Iowa law, with a roll call vote in which Supervisors Lukensmeyer, McVicker and Chris Vanness voted aye.
Jay Waddingham, the county’s Secondary Roads engineer, briefed the Board on department operations and road conditions. During that discussion, Supervisor Chris Vanness raised concerns that construction of a proposed battery storage facility is damaging county roads. The Board directed that a Road Use Agreement will be required for Battery Storage, Solar and Nuclear development projects and referred the matter to the county Planning & Zoning board for consideration at its May 27 meeting.
Katy Flint, Franklin County Auditor and Finance Director, told the Board she had concerns about the county's current credit‑card vendor and presented options for switching providers; supervisors asked staff to place the vendor selection item on next week's agenda for formal action.
The Board approved claims as presented and approved two Non‑Profit Agreements for fiscal year 2027 funding: one with the Hampton Senior Center and one with Healthy Harvest of North Iowa. Those motions were moved and seconded and passed unanimously.
By RESOLUTION 2026‑40 the Board awarded the GAR Memorial Hall roof replacement contract to All Iowa Roofing of Des Moines for a bid of $35,250, plus any necessary sheeting replacement. The resolution authorizes the Chairperson and Auditor to sign the contract and insurance documents; the roll call vote was unanimous.
The Board also approved an engagement agreement with the law firm Ahlers & Cooney to assist with office leasing documents for the Community Resource Center. Chairman Chris Vanness adjourned the meeting at 10:23 a.m.; the next regular session is scheduled for May 5, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. A recording of the meeting is available on the county’s public channel.
Votes at a glance: RESOLUTION #2026‑39 (Secondary Roads budget/five‑year program): Ayes — Lukensmeyer, McVicker, Vanness; outcome — adopted. RESOLUTION 2026‑40 (GAR Memorial Hall roof contract): Ayes — Lukensmeyer, McVicker, Vanness; outcome — adopted. Other routine motions (agenda/minutes/claims/nonprofit agreements/engagement agreement): all carried (unanimous).
