The rural snowmobile route submitted to the Supervisors for approval was approved. Following discussion of the purchase of a new pickup for secondary roads department, Katie Morgan, County Attorney Elect addressed the supervisors. As she makes plans for the administration of the County Attorney’s office for her term beginning January 1, 2023 her first order of business was to ask the supervisors to return to a part time county attorney. She described the general duties of the county attorney and the assistant county attorney. She also requested a third, part time attorney to fulfill duties for the department. Outgoing County Attorney Rachael Becker will serve as assistant county attorney. Morgan plans to maintain her private practice. Morgan requested a salary of $77,500 with the assistant attorney’s allowed up to 85% of her salary.
Mark Schultz is stepping down from the O’Brien County Board of Health. Patrick Kent was approved to replace him.
A discussion of a newly submitted request from Sioux Rivers Mental Health agency requesting a 28E with each of the member counties for assistance with information technology was held. The request was motioned and seconded and voted down. O’Brien County did not accept participation in the 28E.
Elderbridge Agency on Aging submitted its annual report to the O’Brien County Board of Supervisors. It showed the services provided by the agency and the percentage of the budget each program costs.
Elderbridge delivers programs to seniors across 29 Iowa counties including O’Brien. The primary source of funding comes from the federal government through the Older Americans Act. It also receives funding from its member counties and accepts donations.
Services provided by the agency include Support Services which are to help keep older persons in their home for as long as possible, Health, prevention and wellness, family caregiver support programs, Older worker employment programs, Legal services medicare services and food security programs. Food takes nearly 50% of the agency’s annual budget.
The funding formula for counties is by over 60 population. Currently, O’Brien County has 23% or 3380 of its population over 60. At $3.05 per person the county provides $11,175 in funding. COVID emergency funding was reported as nearly depleted with 1 year to go with the funds available. It overspent from increased demands. Elderbridge is requesting the county consider $3.10 per over 60 person in the county for the coming budget year. That amount allows the agency to have matching funds for some additional grant fund opportunities.