Government : Benton County Board of Supervisor Minutes February 24, 2026

February 24, 2026

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman and Volz present, Tippett was absent. 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

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

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the February 17, 2026 with a correction. Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve the following claims numbered 256567 through 256670, 2/26/2026 payroll checks numbered 144010 through 144030, ACH Deposits 64418 through 64573, vendor checks 256671 through 256678. Seeman, Tippett and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To adopt Resolution #26-9, Amending Resolution #25-81, LOSST gift in the amount of $9,606.60 to Garrison Fire Department. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Andrea Morris requested a county credit card. The main use will be used for training and promotional supplies and water testing. These items will be reimbursed by the grants,

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To authorize a credit card to the Environmental Health and Land Use Department with a credit limit of $2,500.00 . Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve to create seasonal position in the Environmental Health and Land Use Department for the months of April through October. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Andrea Morris presented the Annual Environmental Health and Land Use Report.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve Annual Environmental Health and Land Use Report. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Dave Upah, Benton County Sherrif and Josh Karsten, Benton County Chief Deputy, presented an updated jail fee restructuring plan. This plan would amend Resolution #13-3. The new plan would add admin fees allowed by the Iowa Code.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To adopt Resolution #26-10, Amending Resolution #13-3, Establishing Jail Administration/Room and Board Fees, effective March 1, 2026. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #26-11 Hiring Rebekah Cripe and Michelle Wirtz as full-time Civil Division Secretaries at the Sheriff’s Office with salary of $58,000 effective March 4, 2026. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Tax Suspension on Parcel #s 170-13200 and 170-13250. Volz seconded. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve and authorize signature on the Historic Preservation Commission’s Annual Report. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Mindy Druschel and Kari Chamberlain representing the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services presented their FY27 Budget. The DHS budget increased overall by $4,500.00.

Jim Fleming and Scott Fleming met with the board discussing the watershed pond issue at Jim’s property. Jim is asking for a legal document requesting permission on what he can do to fix the leaking issue.

Reports: Volz-attended the Historical Preservation meeting via zoom, it was very productive. They are creating a stand-alone website, he was wondering if there could be a link on the County’s website to their new site.

Tippett-attended the Duane Arnold meeting, they have an aggressive plan and are very happy Scott Hansen is helping get things in order for Benton County.

Seeman-attended the safety meeting, there is a lot in the works. Solid Waste Commission has a contract with an engineering firm for digging a new cell. The current one will be full in a year and half.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To adjourn meeting at 10:53 a.m. Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Gina Edler, Deputy Benton County Auditor