Citizens ask Mills County to put question to voters on increasing supervisors from three to five

Representatives of a local group called Mills County Matters asked the Board of Supervisors to consider drafting a resolution to place a question on the November ballot asking voters whether the county should increase the board from three supervisors to five.

The presenters said citizens could gather roughly 850 petition signatures to force the question but asked the board instead to use home-rule authority to place the question on the ballot. The working group said a majority of its members favor moving to five supervisors but acknowledged not everyone agrees. They said a detailed, fact-based public education effort is planned and promised to present pros and cons to the public.

The group outlined anticipated advantages — "more voices," broader committee coverage and less risk of two-person quorums forcing decisions — and drawbacks, including higher costs. County staff data cited in the discussion estimated a fully allocated cost of about $75,000–$80,000 per supervisor (salary and benefits). Presenters noted districting is a separate decision from increasing board size and could introduce residency requirements and other complications.

Board members discussed experiences from neighboring counties and concerns about candidate qualifications, the potential need to reduce per-supervisor duties or adjust pay, and the timing and mechanics if voters approve changes. The group asked the board to consider drafting a resolution for placement on the ballot or to advise whether citizens should proceed with a petition.

No vote to place the question on the ballot was taken at the meeting; the board agreed to put the item on a future agenda for consideration.