Government : Benton County Board of Supervisors minutes April 16, 2026

April 16, 2026

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Volz and Tippett present. Chairman Seeman called the meeting to order at 10:30 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, Volz and Seeman voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve the minutes for April 14, 2026. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #26-26, Amending Resolution #22-25, Changing wording in the donated leave section 4.4 of the Benton County Handbook and go into effect April 18, 2026. Tippett, Volz and Seeman voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve Resolution #26-27, Adopting a Return to Work Policy effective April 18, 2026 and also adding the verbiage to explain employee health insurance responsibility where applicable. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.  

Benton County Attorney Ray Lough, along with assistant attorney Derek Marsh wanted to address the Board regarding previous discussion regarding the Alliant Energy’s proposed gas power plant project located just outside of the county’s jurisdiction in Linn County. Lough provided an overview of that regulatory process, explaining that the authority lies with the Iowa Utilities Commission, not the county. The County has limited legal avenues to pursue.  The law in regards to projects as such have to show the convenience and necessity of public standards. As a result, it was emphasized that meaningful influence or any formal challenges or opposition must be directed through that platform and those individuals can  raise concerns or disputes through the Utilities Commission proceedings.

Board members and attendees also expressed concerns regarding the shared roads and infrastructure, particularly the potential impact due to increased construction traffic. Currently there is a 28E agreement in place regarding the Benton/Linn Road and how it reads now the county is responsible for the area lying south of HWY 30 and Linn County handles the north side. Other concerns in addition to the road maintenance included EMS responsibility, watershed, safety and the financial burden these responsibilities can cause. Everyone can agree they don’t want it, but limited what they can do to intervene. As far as what is next?  At this point, no applications or permits have been applied for, therefore we have to wait. In the meantime, Alliant doesn’t have to give out any information or study results until that application process happens, and if so there is a 20-day window to try and intervene. It was pointed out that private landowners and City of Atkins have stronger reasons to challenge the application and are encouraged to do so.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To adjourn meeting at 11:46 a.m. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

                                                                                    _____________________________

                                                                                     Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel Benton County Auditor