Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes 10/14/25 Regular Meeting

October 14, 2025

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Tippett and Volz present. Chairman Seeman 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.  Full Resolutions will be available in the Auditor’s office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov 

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the agenda. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried. 

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve minutes from October 7, 2025. All members voting aye. Motion carried.   

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To set land use hearing date of Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 9:15 a.m. for Dennis and Rachel Hearn in part of the NE ¼ NW ¼ of Section 36-86-10. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.  

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To set land use hearing date of Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. for Jay Cassill in part of Parcel B in the SE ¼ SW ¼  of Section 29-83-9 Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried. 

John Buhr, Garrison Fire Department discussed the need for personal safety gear for the department and was asking for the Local Option Sales and Services Tax Gifting for the 10% of total costs. He presented the quotes received and the itemized list. Buhr will get things ordered and paid for and submit formal invoices to the Auditor.  

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #25-81, Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) gift to Garrison Fire Department in the amount of $9,606.60. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.  

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To appoint the following members to join the other members of the Opioid Task Force: Dan Lagrange, Stephanie Boesenberg, Katie Cox, Shelby Chekal and Josh Karsten. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried. 

Cassandra Collins, Deputy Director for (ASAC) Area Substance Abuse Council met with the board regarding obtaining office space in the Benton County Service Center. Currently they had a part-time care navigator position that was funded from the Opioid Funds utilizing space temporarily already. ASAC serves seven counties, and an office in Vinton would provide better access and it would fit nicely with all the services already being provided within the Service Center. They are also looking for space in Belle Plaine. Although the supervisors agreed this would be a good fit, they would look into it. No action was taken. 

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #25-82, Approving Homestead, Military Tax Credits and Disabled Veteran’s Homestead Tax Credits for 2025.  Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye.  Motion carried. 

The Board discussed the hiring of the Environmental Health and Land Use Administrator. The Board of Health oversees the Environmental Health portion while the Board of Supervisors oversee the Land Use side. Barb Fetzer had concerns about the lack of experience this candidate has in wells and septic’s.  Steve Speidel felt that the supervisors should be the ones doing the hiring instead of a hiring committee. He works with wells and had some concerns. Assistant Attorney Derek Marsh explained that there was 2 Board of Health Members, along with one Supervisor, himself along with Hayley Rippel and Ray Lough covering the Human Resources portion. The hiring committee felt confident in their choice and that the current technician and this candidate would complement each other with their combined expertise.   
Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To table hiring the Environmental Health and Land Use Administrator and set up a meeting to meet the candidate and allow time to see what certifications are still needed. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.  

Seeman moved/Tippett seconded: To adjourn the meeting at 10:09 a.m. Volz, Seeman and Tippett voting aye. Motion carried. 

_____________________________ 

 Tracy Seeman, Chairman 

ATTEST: _________________________________ 

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor