Benton County reinstates county compensation board

VINTON — The Benton County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved reinstatement of the county compensation board Jan. 7.

The county compensation board makes recommendations for salaries for the county’s elected officials.

Legislation that took effect in July dissolved county compensation boards, explained Auditor Hayley Rippel. County Boards of Supervisors are allowed to reinstate the boards, or they may opt to decide pay increases themselves.

Speaking for County Attorney Ray Lough, David Marsh, assistant county attorney, said he wanted the board to know he didn’t think the county needs a compensation board. “He feels like we’re perfectly capable to advocate for ourselves and our own people.”

Newly elected Supervisor Ron Tippett said the compensation board doesn’t streamline the process, but it does allow for a representative to advocate for the elected officials.

Supervisor Chairman Tracy Seeman said he is on the fence. “To me it’s just another meeting.”

Benton County Supervisors decided to reinstate the compensation board. The elected officials are to submit their appointees to the supervisors by Jan. 25.

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, Feb. 4, at 9:15 a.m. for Paige and Brandon Dullia for land in Section 32, Fremont Township.

The board acknowledged the resignation of a jailer at the sheriff’s office, Dylan Ryder.

Brian Meeker was appointed medical examiner, and eight medical investigators were appointed: Elana Janss-Johnson, Tyler Henkle, Braxton Morrison, Kimberly Koeler-Rayman, Katie Stetzel, Amanda Seiler, Mindy Icenbice and David Eilander for a two-year term.

Lynn Schoenmann was appointed to the Belle Plaine Regional Zoning Board.

Tracey Achenbach, of the East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund, presented the 2026 budget request. She explained that the trust fund started in the late 1990s. It gives a local voice to decisions about where the money goes.

Since the program started, it has spent over $1.2 million. Benton County submits a 25% local match. The request this year is $5,986 to make an application to the state for next year.

Supervisors agreed that the county gets a good return on its investment.

Ryan Bevins met with the board about employee benefits renewal through Iowa State Association of Counties. He said 28 counties participate in this partial self-funded health plan.

The overall pool had a very good year. Bevins said the county’s reserves are in a good spot. Supervisors approved the Insurance rates.

Joe Kaiser met with the board concerning removal of the easement of Stoney Arch Estates Second Addition Subdivision between lots 10 and 11. Kaiser, with the Stoney Arch Estates Association, said he’s concerned about heavy farm equipment on that easement.

Barb Fetzer, of the land use department, said lots 10 and 11 will have to be re-platted. She said the city also has the right to review a proposed subdivision.

Mark Erickson discussed the transportation handbook. His department worked a half day on Christmas Eve. The board agreed that his two employees can get straight time for this.

The board approved the purchase of two buses. They will probably be paid for in 2027 and will arrive in 18 to 24 months.

The board approved the purchase agreement for a permanent easement for RCB culvert extension on 61st Strett Lane.

The board approved 75 hours of vacation carryover for Engineer Myron Parizek, to be used by May 31.

The board discussed with Parizek the implementation date of a new and revised Benton County Handbook and its effect on several secondary roads employees.

The board also met on tabled action regarding Sick Leave Section 4.3 of handbook (sick conversion).

After discussion, the board approved everything that was previously approved in the handbook, except for Section 4.3 on sick leave, because the county does not know the cost of its implementation.

Closed session

In the afternoon, the board had a closed session with Benton County Attorney Ray Lough to discuss the purchase sale of particular real estate.

After the session, the board directed Lough to pursue a quiet title action on what is known as the animal shelter property, to ensure clear title to the future owner of the property.