PROCEEDINGS OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2025
At 9:00 a.m., Chairperson Richard Young called to order in regular session a meeting of the Washington County Board of Supervisors which took place at Orchard Hill. Items on the agenda included the following: Pledge of Allegiance, approval of agenda, public comment related to agenda items, public hearing regarding FY25 budget amendment, resolution 25-09 FY25 budget amendment, public hearing regarding proposed fiscal year July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, Washington County budget, resolution 25-10 adoption of Washington County budget for fiscal year July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, resolution 25-11 approval of elected officials’ salaries for fiscal year July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026, presentation from Northland Public Finance and discussion regarding road improvement funding options for Wayland Road Eichelberger project, discussion and action regarding WEMIGA Waste, Inc. estimates for necessary improvements, quarterly report – Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), personnel change request– Sheriff’s Office, approval of Washington County Sheriff contract, resolution 25-12 regarding update to Veterans Assistance manual, personnel change request – Ambulance Services, personnel change requests – Secondary Roads, Secondary Roads approval of fuel contract renewal for FY26, resolution 25-13 Washington County Citizen Convenience Center Closure account, approval of Washington County Citizen Convenience Center permit renewal, Department Head comment, adjourn.
Supervisors Bob Yoder, Jack Seward Jr., and Marcus Fedler were also present. Stan Stoops was absent.
Other individuals in attendance included Chip Schultz of Northland Public Finance, Lynn Whaley of WEMIGA Waste, Inc., Kalen McCain with the SE Iowa Union, County Attorney Nathan Repp, County Engineer Jacob Thorius, Chief Deputy Sheriff Shawn Ellingson, Veterans Affairs Director Carrie Rich, Outreach Director Joe Williams, Ambulance Director Jordan Wright, HACAP Director RenElla Crawford, County Treasurer Jeff Garrett, County Budget Director Cyndie Sinn, Deputy Auditor Michelle Hyman, Citizen J.J. Johnson, and Board of Supervisors Administrative Assistant Amber Williams. Various other individuals listened and/or watched remotely via Zoom.
Seward led the individuals assembled in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
All motions were passed unanimously unless noted otherwise.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted to approve the agenda as published.
There was no public comment.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted to enter into a public hearing regarding the adoption of a budget amendment for FY25. The amendment is primarily due to Ambulance Services salaries as well as changes to the Secondary Roads budget. County Engineer Thorius stated they have received approximately $800,000.00 in grants and settlements and have moved funds around due to expenses related to construction of their new building.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted by way of roll call vote to approve Resolution 25-09 as follows and to authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution 25-09 on behalf of the Board.
RESOLUTION 25-09
BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, Iowa, that the following adjustments of appropriations as a result of the budget amendment resolution dated April 29, 2025, are approved:
REVENUES
DEPARTMENT FUND SERVICE AREA AMOUNT
ADDITIONS:
20 Secondary Roads 0020 9210 180,000
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7918 417,930
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7923 216,985
23 Public Health 0001 3010 16,000
23 Public Health 0001 3040 10,000
36 Ambulance 0001 1200 179,297
1,020,212
EXPENDITURES
ADDITIONS:
28 Medical Examiner 0001 1110 10,000
23 Public Health 0001 3010 10,000
20 Secondary Roads 0020 0201 712,759
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7000 10,000
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7100 61,014
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7110 214,613
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7120 -194,054
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7200 640,000
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7210 243,757
20 Secondary Roads 0020 7230 1,700,000
36 Ambulance 0001 1200 299,387
36 Ambulance 0002 1200 86,854
36 Ambulance 1500 0220 54,697
99 NonDepartmental 1530 0220 -109,684
99 NonDepartmental 1540 0220 109,684
3,849,027
The above and foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, Iowa on April 29, 2025.
ATTEST:
Tamera S. Stewart
County Auditor
Richard Young
Chairman, Board of Supervisors
On motion by Yoder, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted to enter into a public hearing regarding the adoption of the proposed Washington County FY26 budget. Budget Director Cyndie Sinn noted that the public hearing was the second public hearing related to the proposed FY26 Washington County budget with the first such public hearing, which addressed valuations and maximum levies, taking place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Sinn shared that for upcoming FY26 the overall 100% assessed valuation is $2,942,595,464 (exemptions not deducted) which is a 1.68% increase from the $2,894,023,440 total valuation figure for FY25. The valuation total for FY26 is $1,568,829,771 (after application of rollbacks) which is an 3.25% increase over the valuation total of $1,519,428,152 for FY25. The FY26 total county levy rate of 9.35299 per $1,000 of taxable value is a 0.74% decrease from the FY25 general basic levy rate of 9.42283 per $1,000 of taxable value while the total FY26 rural levy rate of 11.24909 per $1,000 of taxable value is a 0.78% decrease from the FY25 rural levy rate of 11.33789 per $1,000 of taxable value. The total property tax asking for FY26 is $14,466,437 which is a 2.59% increase from the FY25 total property tax asking of $14,101,633. There was no public comment from those gathered. On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted to close the public hearing.
On motion by Yoder, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted by way of roll call vote to approve Resolution 25-10 as follows and to authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution 25-10 on behalf of the Board.
RESOLUTION 25-10
ADOPTION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, AND
ENDING JUNE 30, 2026, PER IOWA CODE 331.434
WHEREAS, Iowa Code 331.434 requires that after a budget hearing, the Washington County Board of Supervisors shall adopt by resolution a budget, and;
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Supervisors has met the budget publication requirements in Iowa Code 331.434 through publication in the SE Iowa Union and The News, and;
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Supervisors has met the budget hearing requirements in IA Code 331.434 through public hearings held on April 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. and on April 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, on this 29th day of April, 2025, the Washington County Board of Supervisors hereby adopts by resolution the Washington County budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.
The above and foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Washington County, Iowa on this 29th day of April 2025.
Attest:
TAMERA S. STEWART
Washington Co. Auditor
RICHARD L. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Washington County Board of Supervisors
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted by way of roll call vote to approve Resolution 25-11 as follows and to authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution 25-11 on behalf of the Board, with Supervisor Fedler voting nay.
RESOLUTION 25-11
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Supervisors meets annually to recommend a compensation schedule for elected officials for the fiscal year immediately following, in accordance with Iowa Code Chapters 331.905 and 331.907, and
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Supervisors met on December 10, 2024, and made the following salary recommendations for the following elected officials for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025:
Elected Official FY25 Recommended Recommended Recommended
Salary % $ FY26
Increase Increase Salary
Auditor $104,982 2.0% $2,099 $107,081
Attorney $166,011 2.0% $3,320 $169,331
Recorder $ 99,723 2.0% $1,994 $101,717
Sheriff $155,715 2.0% $3,114 $158,829
Supervisor $50,716 2.0% $1,014 $ 51,730
Supervisor Chair
$ 3,500 0.0% $ 00 $ 3,500
Treasurer $101,166 2.0% $2,023 $103,189
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington County Board of Supervisors, after considering the recommendations made above, hereby adopts, with no changes, the salary recommendations.
Elected Official FY25 Approved Approved Approved
Salary FY26 % FY26$ FY26
Increase Increase Salary
Auditor $104,982 2.0% $2,099 $107,081
Attorney $166,011 2.0% $3,320 $169,331
Recorder $ 99,723 2.0% $1,994 $101,717
Sheriff $155,715 2.0% $3,114 $158,829
Supervisor $50,716 2.0% $1,014 $ 51,730
Supervisor Chair
$ 3,500 0.0% $ 00 $ 3,500
Treasurer $101,166 2.0% $2,023 $103,189
The above and foregoing Resolution 25-11 was adopted by the Washington County Board of Supervisors, Washington County, Iowa, on this 29th day of April 2025.
Attest:
TAMERA S. STEWART
Washington Co. Auditor
RICHARD L. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Washington County Board of Supervisors
Chip Schultz with Northland Public Finance presented information to the Board regarding road improvement funding options for Wayland Road located approximately a quarter mile north of the county line. The proposed road improvements are being made to facilitate the expansion of Eichelberger Milling, Inc. which will increase truck traffic on the road. Schultz provided three scenarios for consideration, which included the use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), debt levy, and a combination of the two financing methods. He also advised the Board that there should be no need for an increase in levy rates due to using either of these methods. The Board will consider each of these means of financing for the project. Additional assistance with the associated costs, which could be gained from State grants or the property owner, will also be taken into consideration. Discussion was had by the Board regarding the road improvements which are expected to remain within the existing right-of-way. No formal action was taken by the Board.
Lynn Whaley with WEMIGA Waste, Inc. presented information to the Board regarding proposed improvements to the recycling center as discussed during the April 22, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting. Total estimated cost for these items is $11,108.00. Whaley stated these improvements will increase the safety of those in the recycling center and include a new compactor for recyclables and revising the existing set-up to create additional space for vehicles. On motion by Fedler, seconded by Seward, the Board approved the estimates and authorized Whaley to proceed.
RenElla Crawford presented the HACAP report for the third quarter of FY25. Crawford reported that one application for rental assistance was approved in the third quarter and no other applications were received. On motion made by Yoder, seconded by Fedler, the Board approved the report. Young suggested that there be an amendment to HACAP’s policy regarding the percentage of poverty guidelines accepted. This will be on the agenda for the May 6, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from the Sheriff’s Office for the hiring of casual part-time Patrol Deputy Tyler Ross Kleese at the rate of $35.34 hourly, effective May 10, 2025.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board approved, and authorized, the Chairperson to sign, the agreement between Washington County and Chauffeurs, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union #238 Office of the Sheriff. The contract will be in effect July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted by way of roll call vote to approve Resolution 25-12 as follows and to authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution 25-12 on behalf of the Board.
RESOLUTION # 25-12
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Supervisors has adopted the Washington County Veteran Affairs Ordinance and Manual, and,
WHEREAS the following should be changed in the Veteran Affairs Ordinance and Manual:
Section IV (C) “Gross income shall not equal or exceed 200% of poverty as provided yearly by the federal government.”
The effective date of this change is April 29, 2025.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Washington County Board of Supervisors adopt, as part of the Veteran Affairs Ordinance and Manual, the above change to the Washington County Veterans Affairs Manual.
Approved and passed by the Washington County Board of Supervisors on April 29, 2025.
Attest:
TAMERA S. STEWART
Washington Co. Auditor
RICHARD L. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Washington County Board of Supervisors
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from Ambulance Services for the change in status of Mary Ebersole from 32-hour regular part-time status to 32-hour full-time status at the same rate of pay of $25.42 hourly. This change is to facilitate a move to regular full-time status should a position become available.
On motion by Yoder, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from Secondary Roads for the termination of Equipment Operator Kevin Lammer, effective April 30, 2025. Lammer is retiring after 17 years in the Kalona shop.
On motion by Yoder, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from Secondary Roads for the hiring of full-time Equipment Operator Logan Lauderman at the rate of $26.98 hourly, effective May 1, 2025. Lauderman will be located at the Washington shop.
Thorius presented the Board with the fuel contract for FY26 between Washington County and Elliott Oil Co. in the amount of $5,550.00. This amount includes 75,000 gallons of ethanol-blended gasoline at $2,250.00, 15,000 gallons of ultra-low sulfur dyed diesel fuel (No.1 Premium) at $450.00, and 95,000 gallons of ultra-low sulfur dyed diesel fuel (No.2 Reg) at $2,850.00. On motion by Yoder, seconded by Seward, the Board approved, and authorized the Chairperson to sign, the contract with Elliott Oil Co.
On motion by Fedler, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted by way of roll call vote to approve Resolution 25-13 as follows and to authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution 25-13 on behalf of the Board.
RESOLUTION 25-13
Designation of Funds for FY
2025-2026
Washington County Citizen Convenience Center Closure Account
WHEREAS, the Washington County Board of Supervisors acknowledges its responsibility to establish a Closure Account for the Washington County Citizens Convenience Center as required by Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 106.18, and
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes that as per Iowa Administrative Code 567 Chapter 106.18 (5) the money in the account shall not be assigned for the benefit of creditors except the State of Iowa, and
WHEREAS, the Board, during its regular April 6, 2004 Board meeting, passed and approved resolution 04-16 for establishment of the Washington County Citizen Convenience Center Closure Account, and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes in FY 2025-2026 to designate an amount of $5,250 as reserved capital as determined by the Site Financial Assurance and Closure Cost Estimate as required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Project Amount Designated
Closure Account $5,250
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the County Auditor of Washington County, Iowa, is authorized to reflect the Board’s intent of this resolution by indicating such on the appropriate budget reporting forms for FY 2025-2026.
Approved and executed this 29th day of April, 2025, by the Washington County Board of Supervisors.
Attest:
TAMERA S. STEWART
Washington Co. Auditor
RICHARD L. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON
Washington County Board of Supervisors
On motion by Seward, seconded by Fedler, the Board approved, and authorized the Chairperson to sign, the Washington County Citizen Convenience Center permit renewal. Thorius stated he might make slight changes to the map included in this contract to reflect the improvements being made at the recycling center as discussed by Lynn Whaley earlier in today’s meeting.
Supervisor Fedler gave updates regarding Building 2 at Orchard Hill stating that Public Health is on schedule to move in July 1-15th. The courthouse remodel is still a few weeks behind schedule but is progressing.
Chairperson Young gave an update on the open Emergency Management Coordinator position stating interviews will start this Thursday, May 1 and continue on to Friday, with eight candidates set to be interviewed.
At 10:25 a.m. on motion by Yoder, seconded by Seward, the Board voted to adjourn.
ATTEST:s/ Tamera S. Stewart, Washington County Auditor
Published in The News, Thursday, May 15, 2025 L-538
