Bremer County supervisors to consider joining Homebase Iowa; signage cost expected under $100

Bremer County supervisors agreed to place a resolution on a future June agenda to consider endorsing Homebase Iowa, a state initiative that offers small incentives—such as hotel vouchers or fees assistance—to encourage veterans to relocate to participating counties. The board directed staff to prepare a Bremer County boilerplate resolution and to clarify whether signage costs come from individual supervisors’ budgets or another county account.

Dan Monzer, introduced by the board as the county Veterans Affairs representative, described Homebase Iowa as a package of community incentives that can include lodging vouchers and other limited supports to help veterans with job interviews and relocation. Monzer said Bremer County is among the last counties in the state that has not endorsed the program and recommended moving toward participation.

Supervisors voiced support for recruiting veterans and noted the program’s low expected signage cost. One supervisor said installing the four signs for the program would cost roughly "$80–$83," and members suggested starting small—such as hotel vouchers—and evaluating impacts before expanding local commitments. Cassandra was asked to prepare language listing "Bremer County" for the resolution and to clarify whether the signage expense should be included in the supervisors’ individual budgets or drawn from another line.

The supervisors set the item for a June agenda (dates under discussion on June 9 or June 16) and asked staff to return with the drafted resolution and a recommendation on funding for signage. No formal endorsement was taken at the meeting.

The board’s next step is the formal consideration of the prepared resolution at the scheduled June meeting, when supervisors will have the opportunity to vote on endorsement and any related local funding for signage.