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County debates 5% admin fee for Tallgrass pipeline inspections; asks for follow-up action
Summary
After staff described billing flows for Tallgrass pipeline inspection invoices, supervisors discussed charging a 5% administrative fee on invoices to cover county tracking and processing; board asked for more analysis and scheduled the item for formal action next week.
County staff and supervisors held a prolonged study-session discussion about how Pottawattamie County should bill and collect inspection and administrative fees tied to the Tallgrass pipeline project. The board did not take immediate action but directed staff to return with a formal agenda item.
Auditor and secondary‑roads staff reviewed the mechanics of invoice routing, reimbursement and the scope of county work. Schneider (the inspection contractor referenced in staff materials) had recommended a 5% administrative fee on invoices, a figure the board used as a working baseline. Board members questioned whether the fee should be a flat per‑invoice amount or a percentage of invoice/project totals, how to ensure invoices reflect the county’s requested fee, and which county office should perform verification and receivables tracking.
Secondary Roads staff offered to manage the processing because the contract was with the board rather than a single department; several supervisors agreed a consistent county approach is important for possible future pipelines. One staff example showed a small invoice where 5% would yield only a few dollars, prompting discussion about whether the fee rate should be higher for short projects or remain percentage‑based to cover variable invoice sizes.
The board emphasized that the county code permits a reasonable administrative fee and that the amount should cover processing costs without creating an unreasonable surcharge. Supervisors asked to bring the item back as an action item next week with recommended fee language, revenue line‑item proposals and a clear process for invoice submittal, review and revenue posting.
