Benton County Board of Supervisors Meeting Summary
Meeting: Board of Supervisors Meeting
Date: August 11, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Benton County Service Center Conference Room, 811 D Ave., Vinton, Iowa
Overview
The Benton County Board of Supervisors meeting included approval of routine meeting items, claims, personnel actions, a fireworks permit, department updates, and discussion of upcoming activities. The board also received updates related to conservation work, road maintenance, building repairs, and committee activities. The agenda identified the meeting as a Board of Supervisors Meeting held August 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center.
Meeting Business
Agenda and Minutes
The board began by confirming that the agenda and minutes had already been approved before moving into consideration of claims. During discussion, board members confirmed they had reviewed the claims and had no questions.
Claims Approval
A motion was made to approve the claims. The motion was seconded, and the board voted to approve the claims.
During the claims discussion, a board member highlighted a conservation-related expense involving a new handicapped-accessible pit toilet. The board member stated that the project received grant reimbursement covering the full $23,200 project cost and clarified that the expense was not related to purchasing land.
Personnel Actions
Service Center Cleaning Position
The board discussed the resignation of Tess Ware from the part-time cleaning position at the Benton County Service Center and the hiring of Courtney Long as the replacement. The discussion included the hourly wage and expected hours.
The board approved acknowledging Tess Ware’s resignation and hiring Courtney Long. The discussion stated that the position would be effective immediately, with pay discussed at approximately $28.68 per hour and up to eight hours per week.
Part-Time Transportation Driver
The board considered hiring Lance Summey for a part-time transportation driver position. Discussion noted that Summey has a full CDL and was driving a bus for Binshells River Schools. The hire was contingent on completion of a pre-employment drug screen.
The proposed hourly rate was $18.32, with discussion of a possible increase after six months following evaluation. A motion was made and approved for the hiring arrangement discussed.
Vacation Carryover
The board discussed approval of vacation carryover for Dean Vrba. A motion was made to approve the vacation period request, seconded, and approved by vote.
Fireworks Permit
The board reviewed a fireworks permit request for Charles Yedlik. The discussion referenced an event date of September 6, 2026. A motion was made to approve the fireworks permit, seconded, and approved by vote.
Department and Committee Reports
Conservation and Road Updates
During reports, board members discussed recent committee activities and department updates.
One update noted that conservation activities were ongoing. Another update reported that the IRM had completed approximately 95% of the first road spraying effort, with conditions improving.
Sheriff’s Office Sewer Smell Repair
A board member reported investigating a sewer smell issue at the Sheriff’s Office. The discussion stated that the problem was traced to a plugged vent pipe, which was repaired by cutting out and replacing a section. The board member said the repair was completed for less than $100 compared with an estimated $9,000 fix.
The board asked whether there were any public comments or additional old or new business items. No additional items were brought forward during that portion of the meeting.
Upcoming Activities
The board discussed upcoming ISAC-related activities. Discussion referenced attendance at an ISAC event in Des Moines and a September 10 event. Board members discussed adding attendees and responding regarding participation.
Adjournment
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, seconded, and approved by the board. The meeting concluded following the vote.
Key Takeaways
- The board approved routine claims after review.
- The board approved personnel actions involving the Service Center cleaning position and a part-time transportation driver.
- The board approved a vacation carryover request and a fireworks permit.
- Department updates covered conservation projects, road spraying progress, and a completed Sheriff’s Office sewer vent repair.
- The meeting concluded after discussion of upcoming committee and association activities.
