Buchanan County adopts Resolution 26-83, declares local disaster for Aug. 7 storms

The Buchanan County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted RESOLUTION 26-83 on Aug. 10, 2026, declaring a local state of emergency for damage from storms on Aug. 7, 2026. The resolution authorizes use of emergency funds, invocation of mutual aid agreements and application to the State of Iowa for assistance.

Emergency Management Director Chris Hare asked the Board to approve the declaration after assessing storm impacts; the Board voted to allow him to proceed. The resolution text states the county has "declared a state of emergency" and notes that infrastructure and property damage and threats to public health and safety justify requesting state support. The motion was made by Supervisor John Kurtz and seconded by Supervisor Keith Wieland; the resolution's roll call shows Kurtz—aye, Wieland—aye and Chairperson Dawn Vogel—aye.

With the vote, the county can deploy emergency funds and begin state-level assistance requests and damage assessments. The action does not itself allocate a specific dollar amount for repairs; it authorizes staff to pursue assistance and expend emergency funds as needed.