Public health asks for increase in credit card limit

VINTON — The Benton County public health department asked county supervisors this month for a temporary increase in its credit card limit.

The increase from $2,000 to $10,000 for the months of May and June would give the department money for grant-funded expenditures.

The limit will go back to $2,000 July 1.

The board set a land use hearing for Tuesday, June 4, at 9:15 a.m. for Paul and Susan Phillips for land in Section 4, Canton Township.

Supervisors approved a local option sales and service tax gift for Van Horne Fire Department for a machine that charges oxygen tanks. The gift totals $5,766. The county is responsible for a 10% match.

The board approved a Class C Retail Alcohol License for The Tipsy Traveler’s LLC for June 8 through June 12 and June 29 through July 3.

The board approved the Class C Retail Alcohol License for Traveling Tapster LLC for June 21 through June 25.

Karen Kurt, executive director of East Central Iowa Council of Governments, told supervisors that the organization’s mission is to plan for the future, to leverage state government resources for grants and to provide technical services where needed, such as helping communities such as Van Horne, Shellsburg and Newhall deal with nuisance enforcement.

ECICOG also helps with building inspections in Shellsburg.

ECICOG promotes regional collaboration and helps access state and federal funds following a disaster, such as the 2020 derecho.

Access to funds has helped restore a tree canopy, buy new generators for communities, create housing projects and help Atkins deal with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the rebuilding of the fire station.

Last year ECICOG helped Benton County manage $4 million in grants.

The Board of Supervisors approved use of the courthouse lawn for the Vinton Park and Rec Department June 27 and Oct. 26, for the Party in the Park and for Halloween.

The board acknowledged the annual reports for American Rescue Plan Act and Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund.

Sue Wilber, human resources, clarified line items that were brought up at a previous meeting, regarding training for department heads, awards and recognition, software for human resources and a change in personnel benefits from single to family.

Sheriff Ron Tippett gave an update on the communication towers. Testing is being done at various facilities.