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Van Buren supervisors decline tower‑lease buyout, approve abatements and multiple resolutions
Summary
At its Sept. 9 meeting the Van Buren County Board of Supervisors declined a $220,000 offer to buy the county’s lease interest in a communications tower, approved two city tax abatements, confirmed Mid‑America Port Commission appointees, established a small memorial fund for public health, accepted a resignation, and approved payroll and claims.
The Van Buren County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 9, 2024, handled a range of administrative and fiscal items in addition to the road‑vacation hearing.
County Auditor Lisa Plecker presented a $220,000 offer from Tower Alliance LLC to buy the county's interest in a communications tower adjacent to the sheriff's office. The county's lease allows Tower Co to lease space to other entities and requires half of sublease rent be paid to Van Buren County (current payment $2,244.92/month). After discussion the board reached consensus to decline Tower Alliance's lump‑sum purchase offer and retain the existing lease revenue arrangement.
The board approved a request from the City of Cantril to abate current taxes on two city‑owned parcels (Certificates of Adjustment #2024-24 and #2024-25); Supervisor Meek moved, Supervisor Richards seconded, and the motions were approved 3‑0. The board also certified the election of two Iowa commissioners to the Mid‑America Port Commission — Emily Benjamin (full six‑year term) and Rachel Lindeen (to fill an unexpired term) — and authorized the chairman to sign the certification documents (Resolution #09-09-2024B).
On motion by Meek, seconded by Richards, the board established County Fund #49000 (the Humble Fund) to hold a $775 cash memorial for the Van Buren County Public Health Nursing Service and Home Health Agency; the board directed the treasurer to invest the corpus and disburse income on board‑approved requests (Resolution #09-09-2024C). The board also authorized the chairman to sign the county attorney's FY2024 Equitable Sharing Agreement and Certification form and accepted the resignation of Korby Hornbaker, full‑time local health home care aide, effective Sept. 6, 2024. Payroll and claims lists were approved as presented.
The board acknowledged receipt of a 3‑year certificate of renewal from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for Permit #89-SDP-02-94P-CCC for the Van Buren County Convenience & Recycle Center, valid through Sept. 18, 2027. Supervisors also reported on committee meetings (including DeCat and Children First) and noted a Sept. 17 Zoom meeting with legislators regarding HF718 and SF2442.
Where recorded, motions passed unanimously (Ayes: 3). The board adjourned at 10:55 AM.
