Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 8/6/24

August 6, 2024

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. Supervisor Primmer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the agenda, minus item #10, Scott Hansen isn't able to make the meeting today. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the minutes from July 30, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

Joy Wieditz, Treasurer deputy, had questions regarding the sick leave and vacation which were acted on at last week's meeting. Wieditz would like to be allowed to use her sick time for her spouse who will be having surgery. Wieditz also brought up the vacation and being based on their anniversary dates. She told the board it was time to fix this hostile work environment they created and to make it right with employees with 17-plus years, to get their extra five days effective July 1, 2024.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To table revising the handbook changes until the Board can talk with county attorney and allow time for the handbook committee time to hammer out the details. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve a new brush purchase for the maintenance department's tractor mower. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve 71 hours of vacation carryover for Courtney Long to be used by the end of November, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #24-74, Temporary Road Closure from 21st Avenue thence east 0.5 mile to 21st Avenue Drive along 63rd Street in Big Grove Township. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Resolution #24-75, Wage and Classification change for Cody Jones, mechanic at secondary roads who carries a labor grade VD with an hourly rate of $29.04 effective August 2, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #24-76, approve hiring, Jakob Long for an equipment operator for secondary roads at a starting wage of $26.30 an hour starting August 7, 2024. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve a credit card for the Emergency Management Department with a credit limit of $1,500. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve Resolution #24-77, Approval and Disapproval of the 2024 Homestead Tax Credits and Exemptions, Military Tax Credits and Disabled Veterans Homestead Tax Credits. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried.

Tracy Seeman reported on the radio tower project. The project is to be about 95% complete, waiting on the base radio's to get into some of the fire stations yet.

The Board stayed and signed all the tax exemption forms.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To Adjourn at 10:44 a.m. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Richard Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor