PROCEEDINGS OF THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS MEETING TUESDAY,
JANUARY 14, 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 in the Washington County Courthouse. Items on the agenda included the following: Pledge of Allegiance, approval of agenda, public comment related to agenda items, Washington County General Assistance report and FY26 funding request, Washington County Public Library Association report and FY26 funding request, Washington County Fair Board report and FY26 funding request, Washington Economic Development Group report and FY26 funding request, Main Street Washington report and FY26 funding request, appointment of various commissions, boards, and committee members, semi-annual report – Treasurer, Quarterly report – Recorder, Quarterly report – Auditor, Personnel change request – Communications, Personnel change request – Auditor, discussion and possible action regarding change order to Orchard Hill project, discussion and possible action regarding an inspector for the proposed natural gas pipeline in Washington County, approval of Eighth Judicial District lease for office spaces at 2715 Lexington Blvd, discussions and possible action regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy information and ballot language, Resolution 25-02 regarding a proposed amendment to the FY25 Washington County Five-Year Road Plan, Department Head comment, adjourn.
Supervisors Bob Yoder, Jack Seward Jr., Marcus Fedler and Stan Stoops were also present.
Other individuals in attendance included Kalen McCain with the SE Iowa Union, County Engineer Jacob Thorius, County Recorder Teresa Mangold, County Treasurer Jeff Garrett, County Sheriff Deputy Shawn Ellingson, County Budget Director Cyndie Sinn, County General Assistance Director RenElla Crawford, Washington Public Library Director Cary Ann Siegfried, Wellman Library Director Carrie Geno, Washington County Fair Board President Kurt Dallmeyer, Washington County Economic Development (WEDG) Executive Director Mary Audia and Connie Larsen with WEDG, Main Street Washington Executive Director Samantha Meyer, Jason Longbine, Regina Schantz. County Information Technology Assistant Director Kyle Evans and County Dispatch Supervisor Cara Sorrells joined via telephone. 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 Yoder, seconded by Seward, the Board voted to approve the agenda as published.
Regina Schantz spoke during public comment in support of the county fully funding the library funding request for FY26. Schantz praised the library for their services available to rural Washington County residents as well as city population.
RenElla Crawford presented a General Assistance report and informed the Board of the various services being provided. The program has assisted several residents in need with rent and utility payments. Crawford requested financial support from the county in the amount of $1,200.00 for FY26. The Board took no formal action. The General Assistance report is available in the Auditor’s office.
Cary Ann Siegfried with the Washington Public Library, and Carrie Geno with the Wellman Public Library provided the Board with a summary of the activities and programs conducted at each of their libraries that together comprise the Washington County Public Library Association (WCPLA). During FY25 the WCPLA circulated 21,452 physical materials to rural patrons. There has been an increase in the number of users for all of Washington County’s libraries this past year. For FY26 the group requested funding in the amount of $159,000.00 which is a slight increase in the level of funding assistance provided by Washington County for current FY25. The increase is in response to anticipated price increases the libraries will face. The Board took no formal action. The complete report is available in the Auditor’s office.
On behalf of the Washington County Fair Association (WCFA), Fair Board officer Kurt Dallmeyer provided a WCFA 2024 Year-in-Review report and funding request for FY26. Dallmeyer stated Washington County’s 4-H enrollment is in the top five in Iowa. In 2024, the Fairgrounds hosted 268 events and renovated the track and arena area. Receipts for 2024 included fair income of $219,492.00, non-fair income of $88,175.00, county funding of $41,000.00, grants of $3,000.00, and state funding of $10,077.00 for a total of $361,744.00. Total fair expenses for the 2024 edition of the fair included $191,232.00 in general fair expenses, $121,767.00 in non-fair expenses, $148,029.00 in Capital Improvements, and $12,689.00 in equipment purchases for a total of $473,717.00. Total attendance at the 2024 Fair was estimated at 17,000. Dallmeyer was pleased to report that the Washington County Fairgrounds are used on many dates other than for the Washington County Fair and briefly described several such events. Capital plans currently under consideration include a new show barn. Dallmeyer requested no change in the amount of county funding from the current fiscal year which is $24,000.00 for the fairgrounds and $17,000.00 for 4-H support. The Board took no formal action. The complete report is available for review in the Auditor’s office.
On behalf of Washington Economic Development Group (WEDG) Executive Director Mary Audia provided a report of various projects that WEDG was involved with during FY25. Those projects included work with business retention and expansions, housing, childcare, and community support in many programs. Audia requested $23,000.00 in funding assistance from Washington County for FY26 which is the same as FY25. The Board took no formal action. The complete WEDG report is available for review in the Auditor’s office.
Main Street Washington (MSW) Executive Director Samantha Meyer addressed the Board and shared that there has been incredible growth in the number of members. Since 2008 MSW has reported 54 business starts, 122 building projects, and a total of 24,571 volunteer hours. During the same period of time $24,615,627.00 has been invested in building projects in Washington. Meyer stated they are working to restructure grant allocations to allow micro-grants of $10,000.00 for smaller improvement projects. In closing Meyer requested funding from the County in the amount of $6,834.00 for FY26. The Board took no formal action. The complete report is available in the Auditor’s office.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, Millie Youngquist was appointed to the Region 10 Transportation Technical Advisory Committee for a three-year term ending in 2028.
Treasurer Jeff Garrett presented the Board with the Semi-Annual Statement of Accounts by Funds for the period of July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. Garrett also provided an apportioning summary which listed a total of $29,473,046.13 in taxes apportioned as follows: $12,336,741.64 (41.86%) to schools, $9,648,432.82 (32.74%) to Washington County, $4,854,303.62 (16.47%) to Cities, $1,216,000.81 (4.13%) to Community Colleges, and $1,417,567.24 (4.81%) to hospitals, townships, Agricultural Extension, Crawford Fire District, and Brucellosis/TB Eradication. The report also displayed a breakdown of the $21,828,163.99 ending Treasurer’s balance along with a summary of revenues and expenditures. On motion by Stoops, seconded by Seward, the Board voted to acknowledge receipt of the Semi-Annual Treasurer’s Statement of Accounts by Funds for the period of July 1, 2024, through December 31, 2024. The complete report is available in the office of the Washington County Treasurer.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted to acknowledge receipt of the Recorder’s report for the third quarter of calendar year 2024 and to authorize the Chairperson to sign the report on behalf of the Board. The report, presented by County Recorder Teresa Mangold, reflected revenues for the quarter in the amount of $126,408.95 with the county retaining $47,992.57. A total of 1,103 documents were recorded during the quarter and Mangold added that her office processed 22 marriage applications, 145 passport applications, 185 passport photographs, and 877 boat, ATV and snowmobile renewals/registrations. Also during the quarter, a total of 369 certified copies of birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage licenses were provided to various individuals. The complete report is available in the office of the Washington County Recorder.
Auditor Tammy Stewart presented the Board with the County Auditor’s Report of Fees Collected for the quarter ending December 2024. Stewart reported the office collected $1,710.00 in transfer fees which is slightly less than the previous quarter. The complete report is available in the office of the Washington County Auditor.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Yoder, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from Washington County Communications for the termination of Shannon Tong Van, effective January 5, 2025.
On motion by Yoder, seconded by Stoops, the Board voted to acknowledge, and authorize the Chairperson to sign, a personnel change request from the Auditor’s Office for the increase in rate of pay for Real Estate Administrator/Subdivision Coordinator, Mya Talbert, effective January 22, 2025, at the rate of $23.59 from $22.59 per hour. The pay increase is due to moving from Level 1 to Level 2 at her six-month employment period and the increase in duties she now handles as the sole person in these positions.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Fedler, the Board acknowledged to approve a change order for the Orchard Hill project from Carl A. Nelson. This change order is to install data drops in additional offices not previously accounted for. Discussion took place regarding possible data drops being needed in other spaces and about the availability of space for additional offices in the future. Fedler stated there are three offices available for use that have not currently been assigned.
Thorius presented information regarding providing an inspector for MidAmerican Energy Company’s proposed natural gas pipeline in Washington County. Thorius stated the county has used the services of ISG Field Services, LLC, for past project inspections. Options presented included working with Johnson County and sharing an inspector or hiring an outside inspector on our own due to lack of time and resources available by the roads department employees. MidAmerican pays the cost of this service. Motion was made by Stoops, seconded by Fedler, to contact ISG to perform the necessary inspection services.
On motion by Seward, seconded by Stoops, the Board approved and authorized the Chairperson to sign, the lease agreement with the State of Iowa Eighth Judicial District for office spaces at 2715 Lexington Blvd. The lease agreement commences December 1, 2024, and shall end June 30, 2025.
Kyle Evans advised that data drops are also recommended in this location. Seward made a motion to make sure data drops are in place in all offices. Motion seconded by Yoder.
Seward presented a memorandum he created for public discussion regarding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levy information and ballot language. Young voiced concerns about the possibility of townships cutting funding for EMS and would like conversations with the township trustees. Fedler stated that work sessions should be held with the townships, advisory council, and Board of Supervisors to discuss and iron out details regarding levy rate and use of funds. Fedler also recommended this be on the November 2025 ballot rather than holding a special election.
Seward made comment that no formal motion is needed. A work session will be scheduled the advisory council. No action was taken.
Thorius addressed the Board regarding Resolution 25-02 regarding a proposed amendment to the FY25 Washington County Five-Year Road Plan. Paving project HSIP-SWAP-C092(129)--FJ-92 increased by $520,000.00 for FY25. Motion made by Fedler, seconded by Yoder, to adopt and authorize the Chairperson to sign Resolution 25-02.
There was no department head comment.
At 11:11a.m. on motion by Yoder, seconded by Fedler, the Board voted to adjourn.
ATTEST:s/ Tamera S. Stewart, Washington County Auditor
1ST AYD CORPORATION, Supplies 539.00
3-E ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING EQUIP, Lights 31.32
4M PLUMBING & HEATING, Service 80.00
911 CUSTOM, Vest 285.00
AARON GOULD, Reimb 15.52
ACCESS SYSTEMS LEASING, Lease 96.40
ACE ELECTRIC, Service 2,989.63
ACE N MORE, Supplies 1,514.33
ADVANCED CORRECTIONAL HLTHCARE, Service 12,888.83
AERO RENTAL, Service 577.50
AGRILAND FS INC, Propane 1,541.83
AHLERS & COONEY PC, Service 2,575.71
AIRGAS, Supplies 394.55
ALL AMER TERM PEST CONTROL, Service 165.00
ALLEGIANT TECHNOLOGY, Subscription 46.39
ALLIANT, Utilities 16,795.63
ALTORFER MACHINERY, Parts 8,749.04
AMERICAN CORRECTIONS SPECIALIST, Service 218.00
ARNOLD MOTOR SUPPLY, Parts 163.09
AT & T, Service 2,232.09
ATT MOBILITY, Data 182.54
BAILEY OFFICE OUTFITTERS, Supplies 770.59
BAKER PAPER, Supplies 966.96
BAMWX LLC, Service 2,958.00
BONNIE LINS, Reimb 464.98
BRIGHTREE HOME HLTH & HOSPICE, Software 2,981.00
CALHOUN BURNS & ASSOC, Inspection 1,223.50
CARL A NELSON & CO, Service 26,124.90
CARMAN DAVIS, Reimb 332.99
CAROL DETWEILER, Reimb 291.97
CARRIER ACCESS IT, Service 1,121.25
CARSON PLUMBING & HEATING, Repair 5,117.73
CEDAR RAPIDS POLICE DEPT, Service 37.00
CEDAR RAPIDS TIRE, Chains 1,933.56
CENTRAL IOWA DETENTION, Service 13,500.00
CINTAS, Service 473.63
CITY OF KALONA, Utilities 67.50
CITY OF WASHINGTON, Utilities 1,230.24
CITY OF WEST CHESTER, Utilities 52.00
CJS OIL CO, Fuel 53.16
CLAIM MD, Subscription 100.00
COAST TO COAST SOLUTIONS, Supplies 1,033.77
COLEMAN CONSTRUCTION, Service 185.00
CONSOLIDATED MANAGEMENT CO, Meals 35,939.48
CONSUMERS COOPERATIVE, Fuel 433.70
CONTINUOUS TOUCH, Service 479.21
COPY SYSTEMS INC, Copies 77.52
CORNERSTONE EXCAVATION, Rental 1,425.00
CULLIGAN WATER COND, Water 533.08
CUSTOM HOSE & SUPPLIES INC, Supplies 33.32
DAN CORBIN INC, Service 1,300.00
DANIEL STIGERS, Fee 419.00
DANS OVERHEAD DOORS, Service 168.00
DELTA DENTAL OF IOWA, Claims 4,472.02
DENNIS MURRAY, Reimb 75.00
DES MOINES CO SHERIFF, Service 35.86
DIANE WALDSCHMIDT, Reimb 217.08
DLT SOLUTIONS INC, Software 11,537.10
DOUDS STONE LLC, Roadstone 2,963.78
DPT SERVICE LLC, Parts 1,120.88
EASTERN IA LIGHT & POWER, Utilities 1,341.68
ELIZABETH OSTREM, Service 193.50
ELLIOTT BULK SERVICES, LLC, Fuel 35,738.83
EMBROIDERY BARN, Service 144.00
EMS DETERGENT SERV, Supplies 242.69
ENERGY SALES, Service 3,113.00
FIRST RESPONSE EXTINGUISHER, Service 79.00
FKCH&W PC, Atty fees 1,338.86
FORVIS LLP, Fees 2,021.25
GALLS INC, Uniforms 228.41
GORDON FLESCH COMPANY, Copies 78.65
GRP & ASSOCIATES, Service 52.00
HACAP, QTR CO Payment 30,000.00
HCC LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Premium 2,841.24
HEALTHCARE FIRST, Survey 110.44
HENDERSON PRODUCTS INC, Parts 904.47
HIWAY SERV CTR, Parts 45.19
IA DEPT OF PUBLIC SAFETY, Service 3,474.00
IA EMPLOYMENT CONFERENCE, Registration 505.00
IA GEMT PAYMENT PROGRAM, Gemt 5,580.38
IA PUBLIC HEALTH ASSN, Membership 300.00
IA ST ASSN OF ASSESSORS, Dues 500.00
IA ST ASSN OF CO, Registration 720.00
IAN, Membership 20.00
IMPRESSIONS COMPUTERS, Service 660.00
IMWCA, Premium 7,636.00
INST OF IA CERTIFIED ASSESSORS, Dues 125.00
INSURANCE STRATEGIES, Service 995.00
IRENE MCDOWELL, Reimb 454.93
JACKIE BROWN, Reimb 539.35
JEFFERSON CO SHERIFF, Service 37.20
JERRY TURNER, Reimb 75.00
JET PHYSICAL THERAPY, Service 3,100.00
JIMS SMALL ENGINE REPAIR, Supplis 25.00
JOAN SIEREN, Fee 425.60
JOHN DEERE FINANCIAL, Parts 858.07
JOHN WAGNER, Reimb 75.00
JOHNSON CO MED EXAMINER, Fee 671.42
KALONA CO-OP TELE, Internet 1,926.17
KALONA TIRE, Tires 644.54
KARLAS KLEANING, Cleaning 405.00
KCII, Ads 503.28
KELLY FARRIER, Reimb 75.00
KELTEK INC, Parts 242.73
KEOKUK CO SHERIFF, Service 31.94
KEVIN LAMMER, Reimb 100.00
KIESLER POLICE SUPPLY, Supplies 481.00
KUENSTER HEATING & AIR, Maint 462.60
LANDS END CORP, Uniforms 96.13
LINDE GAS & EQMT, Supplies 299.82
LINN CO SHERIFF, Service 110.34
LISA HUGHES, Service 15.00
LL PELLING CO INC, Asphalt 10,495.70
MAIL SERVICES, Renewals 942.14
MARIE ELECTRIC, Repair 55.81
MIDWEST WHEEL, Supplies 490.27
MIKE ROUSH, Reimb 75.00
NEXTRAN TRUCK CENTERS, Parts 12,318.84
OREILLY AUTO PARTS, Parts 1,682.56
PANORAMIC VETPRO INC, Software 520.00
PAUL TOWNER, Fee 2,488.00
PAYGROUND INC, Fee 50.50
PHYSICAL THERAPY, Service 170.00
PITNEY BOWES, Lease 193.59
PLUMB SUPPLY CO, Heater 2,343.01
POLICE LEGAL SCIENCES, Service 1,560.00
QUILL CORP, Supplies 1,175.77
RENDEE CAMPBELL, Reimb 42.29
RESERVE ACCOUNT, Postage 139.20
RIVER PRODUCTS CO, Roadstone 5,960.54
RMB CO, Contract 1,875.00
RONDA STAUFFER SOBASKI, Cleaning 150.00
SEMCO, Service 3,289.05
SHANNON TONGVAN, Reimb 100.00
SHELBY HILL, Reimb 322.27
SHOTTENKIRK - WEST BURLINGTON, Parts 1,004.10
SIDWELL COMPANY, Maint 2,234.79
SIRCHIE FINGERPRINT LAB, Supplies 41.16
SMITH MILLS SCHROCK BLADES PC, Atty fees 1,924.00
SOUTHEAST IOWA UNION, Subscription 110.00
THE NEWS, Publications 1,037.83
THOMSON REUTER WEST, Westlaw 2,181.01
THRYV, Ads 116.41
TIFCO INDUSTRIES, Supplies 290.80
TIMOTHY KLEESE, Reimb 75.00
U I HLTHCARE, Service 936.00
UNIFIDE CST SCALE SYSTEMS, Service 315.00
UNIFORM DEN INC, Uniforms 66.14
US CELLULAR, Cell phone 4,449.81
US POSTAL SERV, Postage 2,523.36
USIC LOCATING SERVICE LLC, Service 400.00
VERIZON WIRELESS, Data 120.03
VIRGINIA MILLER, Reimb 250.58
VISA, Supplies 1,159.76
VISA WASH STATE BANK, Supplies 8,741.14
WALMART CARD, Supplies 361.30
WAPELLO RURAL WATER ASSOC, Service 72.49
WASH AUTO CENTER, Service 123.86
WASH CO AUDITOR, Reimb 400.00
WASH CO COMMUNICATIONS, Qtr Co Funding 291,519.00
WASH CO EMERG MGMT, Qtr Co Funding 329,604.00
WASH CO FAIR ASSN, Qtr Co Funding 10,250.00
WASH CO HIST PRESERV, Qtr Co Funding 1,250.00
WASH CO HUMANE SOCIETY, Qtr Co Funding 8,214.50
WASH CO MINI BUS, Qtr Co Funding 12,500.00
WASH CO PUBL LIBRARY ASSN, Qtr Co Funding 39,187.50
WASH CO SECONDARY, Reimb 10,855.01
WASH CO SHERIFF, Reimb 8,778.05
WASH LUMBER & HOME CENTER, Insulation 770.48
WASHINGTON DISCOUNT TIRES, Tires 8,812.25
WELLMAN CO-OP TELEPHONE ASSN, Service 2,670.92
WELLMARK/WAGEWORKS, Claims 183,944.66
WEMIGA WASTE INC, Service 300.00
WINDSTREAM, Phone 1,196.84
WMPF, Publications 733.94
WOODRUFF CONSTRUCTION, Orch hill 359,955.00
XCELL TOWERS III LLC, Rental 400.00
ZIP’S, Uniforms 179.97
Published in The News, Thursday, January 30, 2025 L-529