Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 3/4/22

March 4, 2022

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Bierschenk and Primmer present, The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. at the conference room at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public were provided the zoom access capability to join in during open session and livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Unless otherwise noted, all actions were approved unanimously. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov ( https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa)

Discussion continued regarding the pay for Township officials. Currently it is $15 an hour or $25 minimum for meetings. Chuck Yedlik and Kirk Appleby, Taylor Township officials were present to weigh in on the discussion.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To set the township officials wage at $20 per hour, with a minimum of $40.00 per meeting effective July 1, 2022. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #22-19, Approval of FY 23 Maximum Property Tax Dollars. Motion carried.

Resolution #22-19

Approval of FY 2023 Maximum Property Tax Dollars

WHEREAS, the Benton County Board of Supervisors have considered the proposed FY 2023 county maximum property tax dollars for both General County Services and Rural County Services, and

WHEREAS, a notice concerning the proposed county maximum property tax dollars was published as required and posted on county website, and

WHEREAS, a public hearing concerning the proposed county maximum property tax dollars was held on March 4, 2022.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Benton County that the maximum property tax dollars for General County Services and Rural County Services for FY 2022 shall not exceed the following:

General County Services - $9,859,422

Rural County Services - $4,291,599

The Maximum Property Tax dollars requested in either General County Services or Rural County Services for FY 2023 does represent an increase of 11.24% from the Maximum Property Tax dollars requested for FY 2022.

By Roll Call Vote:

Ayes: Primmer Nays:

Seeman

Bierschenk

Passed and adopted the 4th day of March, 2022.

_________________________ __________________________________

Attest: Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor Tracy Seeman, Chairman Benton County Supervisors

Greg Walston, representing Old School Produce Partners provided an update to the Board along with a handout sharing the poundage of food that was shared throughout the community with food pantries and other organizations. Supervisor Primmer added how this was recently brought up at a HACAP Board meeting he attended. They came up with a formula of meals per lb it produced last year. They estimated 72,243 meals were provided from the produce distributed using 6 meals per pound. He commended them for such a good outcome. Walston brought up the need for the fence and how important it will be to keep animals and such out of the garden area but to be able to mow around it. Old School Produce Partners mows the area themselves with a donated mower by Koop's Automotive. Grants are also obtained to pay for seeds and other expenses.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve and authorize signatures on a year lease for 2022 between Benton County, Iowa and Old School Produce Partners to be drafted by the county attorney. Motion carried.

Melody Snow, Vinton Unlimited and Matt Boggess, VPRD presented the Board with an idea for Christmas lighting, not only on the courthouse building but on the lawn. The Board previous approved the purchase of lights for the courthouse building which will become a thing this upcoming holiday season. Snow stated how they are forming a committee to help plan this out, and asked one of the supervisors to be a part of the process but wanted to get the go ahead before pursuing it further. With the Kersten light display north of town dissolving, the goal is to rejuvenate the tithe of "City of Lights". It was agreed this was a thing to continue planning for, but keeping in mind the separation of State and Church on county property.

Bierschenk moved/Primmer seconded: To acknowledge and authorize chairman's signature for FY 21 Audit Final. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To adjourn. Motion carried.

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor