Supervisors read statement regarding board of health

VINTON — The Benton County Board of Supervisors issued a statement last week regarding the Benton County Board of Health and events that happened when the board of health was terminated last fall.

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The statement from the supervisors reads as follows:

The minutes of the 10-24-2023 meeting of the Benton County Board of Supervisors states, “We wish to clarify previous actions related to the board of health to clarify that the primary reason for the action was to reverse the 130 percent increase in the budget implemented by the Benton County board of health and accordingly, we would ask the county attorney to release a statement.

In order to provide the public accurate information about the work of the department of health, we wish to make the following statement:

The Board of Health proposed a new structure for the department that the Board of Supervisors rejected. On the rejection of the Board of Health's proposed restructuring, the Board of Health informed the Board of Supervisors that best practice to comply with state law, would require the county to hire a second employee in order to ensure 24/7 coverage. The Board of Health clarified that it would have to come back at the time for budget amendments and would have to ask for more money to cover the cost of the second employee.

Unfortunately, the number we initially reported was not correct and most of the budget increase was covered by state grants. The actual additional cost to the taxpayers of Benton County was appreciably less than the numbers provided to us. The process that resulted in the termination of the board of health caused confusion in the community and sent mixed signals about the dedication and service of the members of the board of health. We regret that.

Due to the Board of Health's assertion that the process we took leading to their termination failed to comply with the letter and spirit of Iowa Code Chapter 21, we pledge to implement appropriate processes and annual training to ensure that all meetings are conducted in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.

We wish to thank the members of the board of health for their dedication, service and their work which made a difference in the county. Each of the members volunteered many hours of their personal time, all for the people of Benton County.

The statement was signed by Supervisors Tracy Seeman, Gary Bierschenk and Rick Primmer.

Primmer read the letter during last week’s meeting. Doug Cook, of Vinton, asked the board how much this cost the county. Primmer said there was no cost to the county. It was taken care of by insurance.

Other business

Benton Development Group presented its 2025 budget. The group is asking for the same amount from the county as last year.

Maintenance and the Historic Preservation Board presented their budgets. The latter asked for an increase due to having more board members, travel, mileage and education.

Sheriff Ron Tippett presented the budget for the sheriff’s department. He explained the costs of vehicle replacement, patrol, investigations, overtime, domestic investigations, dispatch, jail, food for the jail, utilities, office administration, general supplemental and health insurance.

The supervisors talked with Tippett about law enforcement for Atkins. The community currently contracts with the county. Tippett said Atkins wants more coverage and is willing to pay the costs for this.

Tippett has set up a meeting with towns in the county to explain actual costs and to renegotiate contracts. The department currently charges $32.50 hourly for contract law enforcement. Tippett hopes to meet with the cities next week.

Tippett said some of the small communities, such as Mount Auburn and Luzerne, contract for a half hour a week.

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 9:15 a.m. for Jeremy and Brooke Higgins for land in Section 25, Harrison Township.

The board approved outsourcing background checks so the county can be consistent and can preserve confidentiality. It is also the best thing to do from a liability standpoint, according to Sue Wilber, of human resources.

Checks are currently done by the sheriff’s office.

Sarah Wagner was appointed to the Iowa Heritage on Aging Council.

Supervisors discussed the Airport Belle Plaine Regional Zoning Board and questioned the need to have a county representative on the board.

A fund was created for the Emergency Medical Services Levy, a trust fund for money raised by the vote held last November.

Supervisors approved a 28E agreement between Benton and Iowa Counties for radio towers, which will help with emergency communication coverage in southern Benton County.

Bids for a bridge replacement will be opened Feb. 13 at 9 a.m.