Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 1/31/23

January 31, 2023

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Primmer and Bierschenk 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)

Kristine Bullock, Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection presented a power point on their mission and purpose. They support students and educators as they navigate from awareness to explore high quality work-based experiences. Bullock also presented their FY 24 Budget request of $2575.50 is the same as last year based on population. With the possibility of loosing funding recently they will continue to apply for grants and their overall services and activities available should not change.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes of January 25, 2023 with the corrections regarding the motion regarding Justin Birker's percentage should read 90% of the maintenance director's salary not 85%, and the resolution with Chairman's salary including the $5,000 stipend should reflect the total salary amount of $56,664.61. Motion carried.

Primmer moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the other minutes of January 27, 2023 and January 30, 2023. Motion carried.

Marc and Barb Greenlee revisited their Land Use and Health Department Budget with the Board. They originally asked for a 10% salary increase. Greenlee asked about the board's action from the previous week and how the board came up with their 7 % for elected officials and non-elected at 5%. He wanted to know the rationale used to determine these amounts. Also asking about longevity, and duties of the job and their degrees of difficulty. He pointed out that the land use is a difficult process. How do we determine this worth? Supervisor Seeman said their reasonings were discussed in exempt work session. He also stated how elected officials have to spend money to keep their jobs and deal with the public on a different level than others. Supervisor Primmer explained why some employees were singled out for higher increases and working towards equalization. Primmer added that he was in favor of the 5% across the board, with no differences between elected and non-elected. Greenlee thanked the board for their time and would get his budget adjusted accordingly.

The Board reviewed some of the budget requests that have already been presented to them. Auditor Rippel wanted guidance to know which ones they approved of so she can make sure those amounts are entered into the budget and also to get their paperwork filled out and returned accordingly. The board agreed to all so far, and waiting for the upcoming presentations next week.

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

_______________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor