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Recorder fee increase, election deadlines and public concerns highlighted during Des Moines County department updates
Summary
County officials reported on a range of departmental matters including a state increase to vital‑records fees effective July 1, absentee voting windows, road‑project closures, conservation program activity and a sheriff's registry check identifying three violations; public commenters raised questions about subdivision auctions, neighbor fence notifications and the Data Center moratorium.
Department heads provided routine updates at the May 19 meeting of the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors and members of the public raised several questions during the public‑comment period.
County Recorder Natalie Steffener said that effective July 1, 2026 the state vital‑records fee will increase from $15 to $20; she explicitly stated that these fees are state funds intended to support the State Medical Examiners and will not be retained by the county. County Treasurer Janelle Nalley‑Londquist said her office is preparing the tax‑sale publication and reported continued high volumes on the Motor Vehicles side. Auditor Sara Doty confirmed the final day for mailed absentee ballots was May 18 and that in‑person absentee voting is available at the Auditor’s Office through June 1.
Sheriff Kevin Glendening reported that the county has 176 registered sex offenders and that annual spot checks identified three offenders in apparent violation; he also reported jail population at 89 and that staff completed radio training with IAAAP. Conservation Director Chris Lee said Starrs Cave Nature Center hosted 18 field trips totaling 1,066 students across 90 groups and that staff are preparing for summer camps. County Engineer Brian Carter described current and upcoming roadwork: 260th Street on the north end is closed for an Iowa DOT paving project, and Pleasant Grove Road will close around early June for the county paving project; Carter said right‑of‑way purchases for the Beaverdale project are underway.
During public input, Brian Thie asked about researching subdivision sales ahead of auctions to avoid errors; Linda Schneider asked whether neighbors would be notified if a fence was installed, and Chair Shane McCampbell responded that property owners may work on their property without notification unless a permit is required or neighboring properties are directly affected. Rose Fischer asked for clarification on the timing and sections of the Pleasant Grove Road closure; Carter provided details including expected detour/dust‑control work on 190th. Several citizens commented about the Data Center moratorium: Ryan Drew urged distinguishing commercial crypto mining from other data‑center uses; Tracey Lamm urged the board to proceed carefully and develop an ordinance; IT Director Brandon Mehmert offered technical input about where larger data centers would likely locate and noted the county may be more likely to see smaller facilities.
The meeting record states that, unless otherwise noted, motions passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 10:12 a.m.
