Louisa County schedules public hearing to consider transfer of four Oakville parcels to volunteer foundation

The Louisa County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 15 moved to abate property taxes and schedule a public hearing on transferring four parcels in the city of Oakville to the Oakville Volunteer Foundation.

Tonya Lanz of the Oakville Volunteer Foundation described the four parcels she hopes the foundation can acquire for potential housing and green-space development; three are held by the county for back taxes and one is county‑owned from a 1993 flood buyout. Treasurer Vicki Frank recommended contacting the county’s Drainage Districts about abating drainage taxes and advised consulting County Attorney Adam Parsons about any restrictions tied to the flood‑buyout parcel.

Supervisor Randy Griffin made the motion to abate the taxes and proceed with the transfers at no cost to the foundation; Supervisor Chris Ball seconded. Treasurer Frank said she would prepare the necessary certificates for the Auditor in advance of the public hearing. The minutes record board members vote “AYE” unless otherwise noted; no dissent is recorded for the motion to set a hearing.

The action was one of several routine items on the supervisors’ agenda. The board approved the meeting agenda, the Feb. 8 minutes, and claims for Feb. 15. The claims list approved at the meeting includes payments to local vendors and contractors for services ranging from road work and utilities to contracted human‑services providers.

County Engineer Adam Shutt reported the Secondary Roads department responded to significant snow removal over the preceding Sunday, is advancing a five‑year plan and several design projects, and will compare current heating costs with last year’s to evaluate whether recently installed courthouse windows have reduced energy use. Joellen Schantz, Secondary Roads office manager, later provided requested Alliant energy cost information.

Katie Hammond, Conservation, said she will meet County Attorney Adam Parsons on Monday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. to close on the Mabeus property and that Virginia Grove is being cleared for a new campground after surveying by Secondary Roads staff. Cyndi Mears, General Assistance, gave a monthly update and said local food pantries have been busy; she announced a Community Dinner scheduled for Feb. 24.

Bobbie Wulf, appearing by Zoom for the county’s mental‑health update, summarized the SEI‑Link meeting she and Supervisor Griffin attended and said the Iowa Department of Human Services notified counties that some pandemic‑era programs will end in April with the COVID proclamation, which could affect Medicaid eligibility for some clients. Wulf also discussed a regional plan and proposed changes to a 28E intergovernmental agreement governing regional mental‑health services; the next SEI‑Link meeting is March 9.

The meeting record also includes routine personnel and payroll adjustments for jail staff and a detailed claims register. The board adjourned at 10:15 a.m.; Veterans Affairs Director Adam Caudle was marked as absent and scheduled for the Feb. 22 meeting at 9:15 a.m.