Des Moines County supervisors approve two subdivision plats, liquor licenses and personnel step increases

At a regular meeting, the Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved final plats for two subdivisions and cleared a set of routine administrative and licensing items, including two Class E liquor licenses and personnel step increases.

The most consequential board actions were land‑use approvals. Staff recommended and the board approved the final plat for Weaver 2 Subdivision, conditioned on obtaining an on‑site wastewater permit from the Des Moines County Health Department and installing a code‑compliant septic system before habitation. The board similarly approved the final plat for the DBG Subdivision; the board’s resolution notes a portion of Lot 1 is enrolled in the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and states Des Moines County will not be held responsible for any CRP penalties if the ground is disturbed prior to the easement’s expiration.

On finance and licensing items, the board approved cancellation of outstanding treasurer’s checks older than one year, totaling $616.50, to be deposited into the general basic fund. The board also approved Class E liquor licenses for Apres Bar Co LLC and a renewal for Rivermark after the sheriff reported no concerns and confirmed state ABD paperwork was in order.

Personnel actions approved included annual step increases for Gwen Balthusberger, Sheriff’s Office clerk 2 (previous pay $37,689.50; new rate $39,945.32, effective 2026‑03‑03), and Jillian Allen, treasurer’s office clerk 2 (previous pay $40,781.43; new rate $41,597.02, effective 2026‑02‑13). The board received routine financial reports — treasurer’s cash on hand, the treasurer’s semi‑annual report and recorders’ and clerk’s fee reports for January 2026 — and approved the minutes of the Feb. 3, 2026 regular meeting.

Department updates included a sheriff’s office briefing on a proposed jail remodel (staff will return with predesign cost estimates), workforce development efforts emphasizing training for CDLs, phlebotomy and CNA careers, and an announcement that county emergency management has secured a $90,000 grant intended for a solar‑powered generator for emergency response.

During public comment, Allison Moore Yarmouth asked about utility markings on local roads and urged the board to consider adding an "auto shutdown" capability to county wind‑turbine ordinances to reduce eagle mortality, saying the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has recognized such systems as a valid mitigation option. The board did not take immediate action on that request; public‑comment items were noted for further consideration.

The meeting closed after routine committee reports and reminders about community events and training; no additional formal actions were taken before adjournment.