Board draws initial term lengths for new supervisor districts; one supervisor objects to state redistricting change

The Black Hawk County Board held the required drawing to determine which newly created supervisor districts will serve initial two‑year and four‑year terms under state law. Elections staff explained the process: two districts will serve two‑year initial terms and three will serve four‑year initial terms; the filing period for candidates begins March 2 and signatures must be gathered from voters who live in the district.

Elections staff noted precinct/district maps are being added to the voter registration database and offered to provide mailing or outreach options (mailings would require a budget amendment). The board drew proposed term lengths for Districts 1–5 in sequence and staff said they will post maps and filing information on the county website.

During discussion one supervisor registered a forceful dissent on the record, saying the legislative change retroactively shortens terms and "takes this choice away from the voters," and characterized the law as partisan gerrymandering. The speaker asked that these concerns be entered into the record; the chair allowed the comment but proceeded with the statutory drawing. No legal challenge was filed during the meeting; staff said the drawing followed the Secretary of State guidance.