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Benton County supervisors approve land-use change for Burrs, hire part-time utility deputy and authorize FY27 insurance signature
Summary
At its May 19 meeting the Benton County Board approved a land-use change allowing living quarters to be added to an existing barn for Theodore and Lori Burr, hired Ryan Aarhus as a part-time utility deputy effective May 26, 2026, and authorized the chair to electronically sign FY27 insurance bonding documents after an insurance renewal presentation.
The Benton County Board of Supervisors on May 19 approved multiple routine items including a land-use change for Theodore and Lori Burr to add living quarters to an existing barn, the hiring of Ryan Aarhus as a part-time utility deputy, and authorization for the board chair to sign FY27 insurance bonding documents electronically.
At a 9:15 a.m. land-use hearing, county staff member Matt Even presented findings under the Benton County Agricultural Land Use Preservation Ordinance. Even reported the site’s CSR (Corn Suitability Rating) is 85, which the transcript notes is considered high-quality farmland but that the parcel had not been in agricultural production since the 1930s. The board recorded that the existing driveway was approved by Secondary Roads and that the project will require a new, permitted septic system and well while continuing to use rural water. With no public objections recorded, the board closed the hearing and approved the requested change; the motion carried with Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye.
Earlier in the meeting the board approved hiring Ryan Aarhus as a part-time utility deputy at the sheriff’s office at an hourly rate of $29.17, effective May 26, 2026; the motion was moved by Ronald J. Tippett, seconded by Bruce Volz, and recorded as unanimous.
After a recess and reconvening, insurance representatives Judi Hamaker (Quality Insurance, on behalf of Heartland Insurance) and Mary Griffin (Holmes Murphy) presented the FY27 renewal schedules. They discussed a planned actuarial rate study, the county’s mod factor increases, and a proposed opt-in phone triage system called Medcore to be offered to counties. The presenters noted Benton County retains discounts for holding four safety committee meetings annually and described upcoming training dates. The board voted to authorize Chairman Tracy Seeman to electronically approve and sign the FY27 insurance bonding document; the motion carried unanimously.
The meeting recessed at 9:35 a.m., reconvened at 10:34 a.m., and adjourned at 11:09 a.m. The board recorded routine motions earlier in the session to approve the agenda, minutes and an amended HHS tax suspension list.
