Scott County supervisors approve contracts, $411,600 computer purchase and FY27 union wage agreements

The Scott County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 26 approved a multi-item consent agenda and several administrative resolutions that together authorize multiple contracts, personnel actions and the payment of $2,388,139.35 in county warrants.

Moved by Supervisor Dickson and seconded by Supervisor Beck, the board awarded the FY2026 pavement-marking contract to Vogel Traffic Services of Orange City, Iowa, and authorized the chair to execute the contract. The board also authorized the Fleet Manager to purchase one new MY2026 Chevy Silverado 3500HD pickup with upfitting for MEDIC EMS from Karl Emergency Vehicles through the State of Iowa Department of Administrative Services contract catalog at a total cost of $79,600.39.

The board approved the purchase of 400 Hewlett-Packard desktop computers from RTI for $411,600 and appointed Cierra Simmons as a Critical Care Paramedic at step 2 with an hourly rate of $29.48 and an accrual of two weeks of vacation annually. In the consent agenda the board approved terms of agreements with the American Federation of State, County, Municipal Employees and with Public Professional Maintenance Employees, Local 2003 establishing FY27 wages effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Those consent-agenda items were adopted by voice vote as noted in the minutes (All Ayes).

In a separate action the board approved payment of warrants numbered 345646 through 345900 totaling $2,388,139.35. The board also considered a contract amendment related to an earlier May 11, 2023 award to Thompson Truck & Trailer for two tandem-axle cab and chassis units. The successor vendor, Ascendance Truck Centers, was authorized to receive an additional surcharge of $28,614 to cover increased material and tariff costs, amending the original contract amount of $233,860. That amendment passed on roll call with four Ayes and Supervisor Paustian recorded as Nay.

The board adopted several internal-administration measures, including resolution 28-2026 to decrease the Auditor’s Office table of organization by one 1.0 FTE Finance Generalist (to 0 FTE) and to increase the table by one 1.0 FTE Payroll Specialist (to 2.0 FTE), and resolution 29-2026 to update Human Resources Policy D governing classification and compensation adjustments and step-up pay rules for intermittent and continuous assignments. Both measures were approved and take effect immediately.

County Administrator Mahesh Sharma reported on pending legislation (about 180 bills under review), upcoming budget sessions and local engagements. Budget and Administrative Services Director David Farmer reviewed the monthly financial dashboard and historical data informing budget discussions. Supervisors reported on a range of regional and departmental meetings, including transportation and flood-control discussions and the potential reappointment of City Assessor Nick Van Camp. Supervisor Maxwell announced a Special Committee of the Whole meeting for FY27 budget discussion scheduled for Tuesday, March 3 at 8:30 a.m. at the East Annex, 500 W. 4th Street.

At 5:25 p.m. the board voted to close the meeting for discussion of strategy for labor negotiations with Scott County’s organized employees pursuant to Iowa Code Section 20.17(3); the board reconvened in open session at 5:46 p.m. and adjourned that same evening. The meeting minutes were signed by John Maxwell, Chair, and attested by Kerri Tompkins, Scott County Auditor. A video recording is available on the Scott County website.

Votes at a glance: 21-2026 through 25-2026 (consent items including contracts, purchases and appointments) — moved by Dickson, seconded by Beck; result: All Ayes. 26-2026 (warrants payment) — moved and approved: All Ayes. 27-2026 (truck contract surcharge and amendment) — roll-call result: four Ayes, one Nay (Paustian). 28-2026 (Auditor office table of organization) — All Ayes. 29-2026 (HR Policy D updates) — All Ayes. 30-2026 (28E renewal with Iowa DOT and TIF letter) — All Ayes.

The board’s actions effect immediate changes to procurement, personnel and the county’s FY27 wage-setting framework; the board placed one agenda item (No. 15) on hold for a future meeting and set a special budget session for March 3.