Approval to close Roosevelt Avenue from 420th Street to 440th Street was granted to the County Engineer. Work on Roosevelt Avenue over the 2 miles is not expected to take a long time.
Kiana Johnson came to discuss an exciting new development in the county’s quest for outdoor activity. She provided the supervisors with an overview of “Healthy Hometown,” a Blue Cross Blue Shield program designed to make healthy easy and accessible. The philosophy of the program is 3-part: 1)Eat Healthy, 2)Move More and 3)Feel Better. The program was identified through efforts throughout O’Brien County for recreational trails. Johnson was asking for a member of the elected officials of O’Brien County to participate on the steering committee she expects to meet quarterly. The next meeting is Thursday June 23 at the Courthouse Assembly Room at 10:00am.
County Treasurer Missy Hattermann and County Assessor Seth Postma both attended to request various tax abatements for different properties in O’Brien County. Each parcel has its own story, but the decision is based on what is in the county’s best interest.
Randy Menke requested $1395.00 for reimbursement to his land on Drainage District 5 as per agreements made during the district’s major repairs. The supervisors agreed to the reimbursement for tiling, pipe and animal guards.
Sheriff Bruce Devereaux requested $200,000 from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) for the purchase and installation of an Xray body scan at the sheriff’s office. He describes the machine as a tool to identify contraband and elevated body temperature (fevers). The request was approved,
Jared Johnson attended to approach the council about consideration for making EMS (Emergency Medical Technicians) an essential service. The issue is a public ballot measure in which citizens vote on if a property tax should raise funds to support the activity. According to Auditor Barb Rohwer the measure would require a 60% super-majority. Wright County Iowa has adopted an EMS levy. Rohwer explained that the maximum allowable levy in Iowa is $.67 per $1000 of taxable valuation. She also said there is no way the issue can be brought on the November 2022 ballot.
Kim Morran, Director of Public Health discussed concerns for the cost of transportation for the nurses. The current IRS reimbursement rate is $.585 per mile. When the assessor’s vehicle is available the 2 offices share. Morran opened the discussion whether or not a department vehicle or an increase in mileage reimbursement can be worked out. The rise in gas prices initiated the interest. It was pointed out later that staff do not ask for a decrease in mileage reimbursement when gas prices are low.
Morran explained that she and other public health staff have driven a collective 700 miles for their job. The board took the matter under advisement.
County Attorney Rachael Becker presented a proposed public records policy. The county currently does not have a written policy and Iowa Public Information Board is highly recommending a policy to include who is the custodian of records, what activities can have a cost and what each cost can be according to state law. The board members are to consider the proposal and return questions and comments.