Township seeks loan to repair hall

VINTON — Fremont Township officials asked the Benton County Board of Supervisors this month for help repairing it's the township hall.

Andy Jones, clerk of the township, and other township trustees told county supervisors that the building was damaged by the derecho four years ago.

Peters Construction was selected to make necessary repairs to the building in Atkins. Jones said the townships needs need temporary funding to finance the building until it receives money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The township has approved state and federal funding of $440,000, officials said.

To date they have received $92,000 for roof repair and the initial cleanup of the building. The amount that is yet to be reimbursed is $347,000.

Contracts are in place to abate the asbestos and lead-based paint and to complete the work, the trustees said. They have $450,000 in insurance.

The total cost is $449,000, which includes engineering and architectural fees.

Jones wondered how to borrow money to fund the project.

Auditor Hayley Rippel said it could be done. The county would need to get the spending authority, and the county would be paid back when FEMA reimburses the township.

A budget amendment is needed, Rippel said. She also said supervisors need to decide what fund can be used for this. They discussed using Local Option Sales and Service Tax.

Jones said the township hopes to be finished with the project by the end of March. It is mostly interior work that can be done during the winter.

Rippel said she’d like to do a little more research. The supervisors indicated they’d be in favor of loaning money to the township. The county will work with the Department of Management on details and will ask the county attorney about a 28E agreement.

Jones estimated the township would need $350,000.

Action is expected at the Sept. 10 meeting.

Deputy Auditor Alisha Burmeister met with the board regarding the mileage/meal reimbursement policy. She’d like discuss the policy with department heads to see what works best for them.

Supervisors also discussed hotel claims. Supervisor Chairman Richard Primmer agreed the policy needs to go back to the department heads to be simplified. Handbook changes can’t go into effect until all sign off on them.

Gina Edler presented a letter of support for the Center Point-Urbana FFA Alumni Greenhouse. She is seeking grants and letters of support for the project.

The group has raised $25,000 so far, Elder said. Supervisors agreed to sign a letter of support.

A land use hearing was set for Tuesday, Oct. 1, 9:15 a.m. for Chad Albert for land in Parcel A, Section 27, Canton Township.

Supervisors approved a law enforcement contract with Norway for 520 hours a year for $16,900.