WASHINGTON

Tuesday’s Washington County supervisors meeting, in its Public Comment, began with a plea for the board to take action via ordinance to counter the state SF 418 bill removing gender identity as a protected characteristic in the state’s Civil Rights Act. The first four speakers -- Dr. Lynette Isles, Martha Sherman, Dan Hendersen, director of a Washington justice and rights group, and Sean McConnell, transgender individual, all of Washington -- detailed why the portion needs to remain, stressing that any loss in rights is a loss for all, that without it “there are no guarantees” of safety.

Although a state law is involved, counties have the jurisdiction to pass their own ordinances. An example was noted that Washington, “without hesitation,” passed one regarding gun rights several years ago when there was a nationwide move restricting ownership.

The board was reminded that the one percent transgender population are “your taxpayers and constituents” who will be affected by “the red line” that removed transgender protection in the bill. As a result, all asked that the board “erase that red line.”

They also were told that the change in the law “is not a partisan issue,” that there are some Republican legislators who oppose it, and to remember they serve the county and its residents, that the loss of one right opens the way for a loss to all.

The board also was provided with a detailed report about the issue, including what has happened to transgender individuals not only nationwide but also in Iowa.

The board also was addressed by Jeff Shipley, Iowa District Representative (R-Mt. Pleasant) who stressed the bill is about gender identity. A summary of the bill describes the section for an act relating to sex and gender, including those and related terms for purposes of statutory construction, indications of a person's sex on certain vital records, gender identity under the Iowa Civil Rights Act, and school curricula related to gender theory. The effective date for the bill, signed by the governor, is July 1.

Chairman Richard Young told the speakers that any county action affects the county, but not the incorporated cities.

Opponents of the bill passed February 25, and signed by the governor February 28, have called it a “legalization for discrimination”, and asked that Washington County not be part of it.

As part of the changes brought about by the shift from regional to Administrative Services Operation (ASO), Bobbie Wulf, Mental Health and Disabilities Services/Coordinator of Disability Services, will not long have a job as of July 1, since the positions are annexed by the state. The board approved the termination, effective June 30. Supervisor Jack Seward, Jr. noted that the state had covered her position and its office expenses.

In other business the board approved Paul Young as a summer intern of the conservation department, $10 hourly; renewed, with no changes, the Genera Assistance Contract with HACAP and its administration of the services; discussed and agreed to the appointment of a member to the Public Housing Agency Board of Directors Section 8 Voucher Program provided the board can meet without interfering with the regular supervisors meeting. Both meet on Tuesday, and a representative will be named if there is no conflict in the meeting schedule.

The board also discussed the possible creation of a county building committee, especially with a building security subcommittee.

The board also learned that the Wellman communication tower, county-owned, is operating as it should; it had been destroyed in the 2023 tornado. The county now has narrowed applicants for the Emergency Management Coordinator to two, both of whom will have final interviews.