Louisa County supervisors adopt construction-evaluation resolution to use state Master Matrix for confinement-feeding permits

The Louisa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Jan. 28, 2025 to adopt Resolution 202506, a construction-evaluation resolution under Iowa Code section 455B.200E that commits the board to evaluate every construction permit application for proposed confinement feeding operation structures received between Feb. 1, 2025 and Jan. 31, 2026 and to submit an adopted recommendation to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The resolution directs the board to conduct evaluations using the state Master Matrix as provided in Iowa Code section 455B.200F but explicitly allows the board’s recommendation to the DNR to be based on the matrix score or on other reasons the board identifies. Counties that adopt a construction-evaluation resolution and submit an adopted recommendation may also contest a subsequent DNR decision on a specific application, the minutes say.

Supervisor Kevin Hardin moved the resolution; Supervisor Scot Hunt seconded. The minutes record the vote as AYES for Shawn Maine (chair), Kevin Hardin and Scot Hunt. Auditor Susan Schnedler attested the resolution.

The action formally opens the county’s evaluation window under the statute beginning Feb. 1, 2025 and running through Jan. 31, 2026, during which the board will apply the Master Matrix and decide whether to forward recommendations to the DNR. The minutes record no public input during the meeting.

The board adjourned at 8:51 a.m.