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Residents urge a ballot question to expand Mills County board to five supervisors; some caution about districting and costs
Summary
Public commenters announced a signature drive to expand the board from three to five supervisors and raised concerns about districting, salary/benefit costs and open‑meeting rules; supervisors and residents discussed what the initial petition can and cannot accomplish.
During public comment the board heard an announcement from Chris Whitey of a petition campaign to place a question on the ballot this fall to expand the Board of Supervisors from three members to five. Whitey said volunteers knocked on about 90 doors, received roughly 30–35 positive responses at some stops, and listed local locations where petition forms are available.
Resident Henry Clark said he opposed moving to five supervisors without clearer, written specifics about districting and compensation. Clark said voters should understand whether the new seats would be at‑large or part of a districting plan and warned that districting would require a separate petition and process. He urged the board to supply clear information to voters if the petition advances.
Supervisors and other participants noted the limits of the first petition: that it can create a five‑member board but not impose district boundaries, which would require a later, separate process. Board members also discussed transparency and open‑meeting rules after attendees reported a roundtable discussion; staff said forum notices posted 24 hours prior satisfy legal notice requirements in that instance and that county attorneys can advise on any disputes.
No formal action on the petition was taken at the meeting; the petitioner said volunteers will continue collecting signatures and the board said it could place information on a future agenda if petition language is filed and certified.
