Benton County approves opioids program

VINTON — Benton County Supervisors approved a program to help people with opioid addiction.

The Area Substance Abuse Council presented the Board of Supervisors with a memorandum of understanding.

County Attorney Ray Lough said that a committee was formed to discuss opioid addiction. The goal is to get something in place that was thoughtful and gave more bang for their bucks.

The ASAC program would bring a care coordinator and a provider to Benton County. This would bring better access to Vinton and Belle Plaine instead of having to work out of Cedar Rapids.

This is a one-year program at a cost of $70,000. Benton County will check to see if they want to do this on a long-term basis. Lough said, “We are excited to get things started.”

Supervisor Richard Primmer was not at the meeting.

Vinton City Administrator Chris Ward met with the board about a speed limit change for the road along Nathan’s Mile Trail. Supervisors took no action.

Supervisor Tracy Seeman wanted the city to work with the East Central Council of Governments on a grant for a dirt road.

The board approved a plan to for culvert replacement on 32nd Avenue Drive in Florence Township and awarded a bridge replacement project on 26th Avenue Drive in the to K Construction Ink of Elkader at a cost of $454,494.

The board heard a report about the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council’s funding.

The EMS council met to decide how the trust fund will be divided. Consideration includes La Porte City, Elberon, Hiawatha and Center Point whose services come into Benton County.

Services in Benton County consist of North Benton, Blairstown and Belle Plaine, as well as first responder services in area communities.

Supervisors approved the fund division and will revisit it in November 2025 to see how it’s working.

Dan Rammelsberg, of Atkins, was appointed to the council.

The board discussed a bid received for sheriff vehicles. The board wanted to replace three SUV’s, and approved a bid from Thys Motor Company in Belle Plaine for $44,645 each for Durangos.

The price includes government discounts.

The board set a public hearing date for a fiscal year 2025 budget amendment for Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 9:30 a.m. The main reason for the amendment is to pay for a patient in juvenile detention.

Department heads will be informed if they need any changes to their budgets.