Budget hearing set for March

VINTON – The Benton County Board of Supervisors set a budget hearing for 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 26.

A land use hearing for property owned by Dave and Paula Weber in Taylor Township is set for Tuesday, March 19 at 9:15 a.m.

Supervisors conducted a land use hearing last week for property in Harrison Township owned by Jeremy and Brooke Higgins. The couple plans to build a single-family home on two acres of land.

The property has a low corn suitability rating, and supervisors unanimously approved the request.

The board approved the law enforcement contract with Newhall. The contract is $25,350 for 15 hours a week.

Supervisors set terms for the new public health board. Karl Holmes will complete Mangold’s term, Tai Burkhart will complete Emrich’s term and Jessica Fairbanks will complete Staab’s term, all ending Dec. 31, 2025.

Lori Mott will complete Morrison’s term and Jean Ohlen will complete Michels’ term, both ending Dec. 31, 2024.

The board approved an information technology and systems administrator. Chris Wagner will work full-time beginning March 4 for $70,000 a year.

The board confirmed bids from for a bridge replacement project on 16th Ave. The low bid was from Peterson Contractors Inc., Reinbeck.

Pictometry plans a spring flight to take aerial pictures in Benton County. Supervisors are working on how to budget for this.

The aerial photos are taken on a three-year schedule. The county approved a plan to update pictures of buildings affected by the derecho and the completion of work on Highway 30.

The board approved flood insurance renewal policies, leaving the rate as it is.

During a Feb. 22 meeting, supervisors approved Dean Vrba as the new emergency management director and approved his resignation as transportation director.

The transportation position will be posted. Supervisors suggested a salary range of $55,000 to $60,000.

Steve Meyer of Benton County Emergency Management Agency told supervisors that the commission voted to hire Vrba as the new coordinator during their Feb. 18 meeting. Vrba will begin as assistant coordinator April 1 and as director June 1 with a salary of $74,000.

Supervisors discussed employee health insurance rates for singles and families.The county has 78 employees with family policies and 32 with single policies.

Employees contribute about 23% for coverage.

The board decided to absorb the rate increase and hoped more participation in the wellness program would make up the cost.

Comp time for snow storm

The board discussed with Sue Wilber, of human resources, the January county weather closure day and how it related to staff that worked that day, such as secondary roads and sheriff’s employees.

Primmer said he was a little disappointed this wasn’t addressed years ago in the employee handbook. He said snow hasn’t shut down the county since 1978.

Supervisor Tracy Seeman suggested granting fours of comp time for the employees, saying these employees will still have work, no matter what.

Wilber said this affects about 50-53 employees. Seeman suggested this be tabled for two weeks, when Bierschenk is back. Supervisors took no action.