While there is no disagreement about approving the re-precincting ordnance, the Washington County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, March 15 had to table the final approval to March 22 to allow for all five members to sign Ordinance 22-1.  They did approve the second reading of the measure linked to the 2020 national census.  A major change is the return of the Richmond Precinct that includes the unincorporated town of Richmond, part of English River, Jackson, and Cedar Townships.  Previously it had been within the Kalona Precinct.

Last week, auditor Dan Widmer praised the hours of work done by the re-precincting committee, (led by Sue Meeks), for its hours of work on the plan.  The board had four members present, including Jack Seward, Jr. attending via zoom from California.

The board also tabled action regarding the contract with Carl A. Nelson, Inc. for construction management (including planning and design) for renovation and new construction to possible relocation for county offices. Discussions have indicated that all legal services could be housed in the courthouse and other offices moved to facilities at the county-owned Orchard Hill complex on Lexington Blvd.

County Auditor Dan Widmer reported that County Attorney John Gish “had some questions and wanted some clarifications”.  The standard contract has a lump sum fee of $25,000 for the pre-construction phase, a construction management fee of five percent of total project cost and itemized fees for “reimbursable expenses” incurred by Nelson during the construction phase. The rates listed are effective through July 1, 2022.

In other business, the board:

• approved a letter of support for the Washington County YMCA to seek a grant from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation (WCRF) to aid with the construction of a new indoor aquatic center for the new YMCA facility in the city of Washington;

• approved a Class E liquor license for Ainsworth Four Corners to reflect a change in ownership of the business;

• approved a change in pay from $23.98 to $25.18 per hour for Kyle Evans, Washington County sheriff’s office IT employee.  It was his six months raise, already in the budget, explained Officer Shaun Ellington, who noted “he has far exceeded our expectations” and saved the county significant money; and

•conducted the 2nd Tier canvass of the March 1 Mid-Prairie School District special election, specifically votes involving the area of the district in Johnson and Iowa counties, none of which changed the final outcome that, while the measure received a 52 favorable percentage, fell short of the 60 percent super majority required by Iowa code.  The measure required 630 favorable in order to pass; it received 585 for measure A and 580 for measure B, falling short by 45 and 50 votes, respectively.