Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 2/27/24

February 27, 2024

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman present. Primmer called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Summarized Resolutions will be available in the Auditor's office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Agenda as listed. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Seeman moved/Primmer seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, February 20, 2024 and February 22, 2024 with a correction to a date changing from June to say July in the February 20th set. Voting aye were Primmer and Seeman. Motion carried.

Bierschenk moved/Seeman seconded: To approve Payroll checks numbered 143134 through 143152, ACH Deposits 56156 through 56303, claims numbered 249016 through 249110 and vendor checks numbered 249111 through 249117. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye thereon. Motion carried

Robert Spangler and Phil Borleski provided the update on the Annual Report for the Historical Preservation Commission and explained some adjustments that need made and missing information they will fill in.

Seeman Moved/Bierschenk seconded: To approve the Annual Report for Benton County Historical Preservation Commission with some adjustments made and bring back a final copy. Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk voting aye there. Motion carried.

Chairman Primmer led the discussion on salaries and pay increases. The compensation Board recommended 3% at their December meeting. The supervisors cannot go over this amount but can reduce it. Deputies to these elected officials have their salaries based on the elected official's base salary. Primmer also stated, "If we want to keep good employees, you have to pay them." Also pointed out how it has always been an issue of people at the top getting larger pay increases than those on the lower scale. He suggested giving everyone a flat dollar amount instead of a percentage and proceeded to ask for the other supervisors thoughts on the matter. Supervisor Seeman observed what Primmer wants to do, but he wasn't sure that was possible. He would like more time to do some pencil pushing. Kellie Van Ree, member of the public asked if there had ever been any employee surveys done. She suggested other avenues to look at regarding incentives vs the typical wage increases.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To table action in regards to acting on Compensation Board's recommendation for FY 25 Elected Officials Salaries and pay increases for non-elected, non-union, non-commissioned and non-contracted employees until Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Voting aye were: Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Supervisor Seeman reported on his recent EMS meeting he attended and Supervisor Primmer reported on his Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Meeting.

Under Public Comments:

Brad Havran, a Shellsburg resident had a question regarding school levies. Auditor Rippel explained how cities, schools and counties each have their own public hearings and levy authority per Iowa law. Some levies are voted on where others aren't required if they are within their allowed formulated amounts. Rippel also mentioned due to the House File 718, this year all taxpayers will receive a notice in regards to when the entities will hold their maximum property tax levy hearings so the public can attend to voice their opinions.

The time of 10:00 a.m. having arrived and that time was published and set to open bids for the Cedar Valley Ranch Farm Ground for rent. Bids received as follows:

Adam and Brian Happel-$205.00 an acre

Green Acres Ranch-$300.00 an acre

Douglas Schrader-$260.00 an acre

The board allowed those present to increase their bids if they chose to. Happel's increased theirs to $261.00 an acre.

Seeman moved/Bierschenk seconded: To accept the highest bid from Green Acres Ranch, owner April Harding for $300 per acre for a three year lease. Voting aye were Primmer, Seeman and Bierschenk. Motion carried.

Douglas Schrader did arrive at the meeting after the motion had been made, he went to the courthouse first.

Seeman moved/Primmer Seconded: To Adjourn. Voting aye were Primmer, Bierschenk and Seeman. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Richard Primmer, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor