The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on August 4, 2026, handling county payments, road and bridge work, personnel vacancies, property-tax matters, a jail HVAC project, community-services funding, and several other administrative matters. All five supervisors were present at roll call. No member of the public spoke during the general public-comment period.
The board approved county claims and payments. The Auditor's Office reported $310,975.68 in general bill payments and another $2,999.96 associated with the 6040 fund, for a combined $313,975.64. The discussion also raised a public-access question: whether residents can see detailed county claims online. Staff confirmed that claims are included with the approved minutes posted on the county website, in addition to being published after board approval.
County Engineer Kathy Nicholas reported that the county's summer roadway work was complete, including resurfacing, restriping, seal coating, and related work. Bridge projects remain underway. Taylor Construction was working on the Winslow Road Bridge, where pile driving was occurring, while the county bridge crew was replacing a smaller structure on Hess Road.
The Engineer's Office is also evaluating county roads as part of the transition involving 55 mph and 60 mph speed limits. Staff had not yet reached final recommendations. Employees were driving the roads and assessing factors such as driveways, curves, pavement markings, existing and missing signs, warning signs, and how the roads function at different speeds. Recommendations are expected to return to the board after the assessment and internal review.
The board approved two full-time office specialist personnel requisitions, one in the Sheriff's Office and one in the Treasurer's Office. Discussion clarified that these are replacement positions for vacancies rather than newly created positions. The Treasurer's Office indicated that its replacement was expected to begin by the end of October.
Several property-tax matters received formal action. The board approved suspensions of property-tax installments for two Waterloo properties under Iowa Code provisions cited during the meeting. In discussing one $4,538 suspension, Treasurer Linda Hinsman explained that a suspension does not erase the taxes. They continue to exist and can ultimately be collected when circumstances such as a property sale occur. Supervisors discussed the possibility that a long-running suspension could accumulate into a substantial amount.
The board also approved assignment of a county-held tax-sale certificate to Anthony and Juanita Garcia and approved their $500 compromise offer for taxes owed on the associated Waterloo parcel. One supervisor questioned whether the amount should instead be $594, the principal real-estate taxes discussed at the meeting. Other supervisors supported retaining the $500 amount, citing consistency with similar cases and the benefit of returning a vacant property to active maintenance. Anthony Garcia told the board that his family intended to maintain the property and potentially use part of it as a garden.
A $11,297.92 change order was approved for the Black Hawk County Jail HVAC and Building Automation System Upgrade Project. Facilities Director Rory Geving explained that additional direct digital control work was needed for two energy recovery ventilators because of differences between the systems anticipated in the design and the equipment's operating configuration. He indicated that this should be the final change order and that final project payout was expected.
The board also discussed the county's community-services funding program. The county has set aside $100,000 for community funding requests this year. Staff and supervisors generally favored retaining the application process used previously while trying to start earlier. Last year's process generated about 33 applications and took months to score, with awards not made until December. The board directed staff to revise the application language, including a question about prior county funding, and move toward posting the application quickly. The precise scoring methodology remains unresolved and will return for later consideration.
Other actions included updating the county's approved depository list to reflect Midwest One Bank's name change to Nicolet National Bank effective August 10, approving a letter supporting the City of Dunkerton's application for Resource Enhancement and Protection grant funding for amphitheater and sustainable-landscaping projects, and recognizing Linda Thompson for 40 years of county service and Garth Goodrich for 25 years.
Near the end of the meeting, supervisors also discussed emerging information about data centers in Iowa. A University of Iowa resource described during the meeting addresses community considerations including planning and zoning, water and energy resources, incentives, economic development, construction impacts, and discussions with developers. No county data-center policy was adopted during this meeting.
Major Discussion and Action Items
County Claims, Payments, and Online Public Access
The board considered a resolution authorizing payment of county claims. The Auditor's Office reported $310,975.68 in bill payments plus $2,999.96 associated with the 6040 fund, producing a combined total of $313,975.64. Staff reported no unusually large or significant payment requiring special explanation.
A supervisor asked whether residents could see the detailed claims online instead of relying on newspaper publication. Discussion established that claims are included in the approved minutes already posted on the county website. The conversation reflected an interest in making financial information convenient for residents to access electronically, but no separate policy change was adopted.
The claims resolution was approved by roll-call vote, with all five supervisors voting yes.
Road and Bridge Projects
County Engineer Kathy Nicholas reported that the county had completed its roadway work for the summer, including resurfacing, restriping and seal-coating work.
Bridge construction remains active. Taylor Construction was working on the Winslow Road Bridge, with pile driving underway. The county's bridge crew was also replacing a small structure on Hess Road.
These projects affect motorists using the affected county roads, particularly where bridge construction requires closures or other temporary changes.
55 mph to 60 mph Road Assessment
The Engineer's Office is evaluating roads associated with the county's transition between 55 mph and 60 mph speed limits. Staff emphasized that the process was still in the assessment stage and that signs were not simply being changed without review.
Factors under consideration include the number of driveways, curves, pavement markings, signing, missing signs, warning signs, school-bus-related signing requirements, road characteristics, and how each road feels and functions at the proposed speed.
Staff planned to complete much of the field assessment before meeting internally and preparing recommendations for the supervisors. The board therefore did not make final speed-limit decisions at this meeting.
Sheriff's Office and Treasurer's Office Vacancies
The board approved full-time office specialist replacement requisitions for both the Sheriff's Office and Treasurer's Office.
Discussion clarified that the county was filling existing vacancies rather than adding new positions. The Sheriff's Office requisition was recommended by Sheriff Nathan Nett. The Treasurer's Office requisition was recommended by County Treasurer Linda Hinsman.
The Treasurer's Office replacement was expected to start by the end of October. The stated purpose of beginning the process early was to allow continuity while current staff remained available to assist with the transition.
Property-Tax Suspensions
The board approved a suspension involving $1,174 in 2026 property-tax installments for a parcel at 1648 Birch Avenue in Waterloo.
A second suspension involved $4,538 in 2026-27 property-tax installments for a property at 2217 West 8th Street in Waterloo. This generated a longer discussion about the financial implications of suspending taxes over multiple years.
Treasurer Linda Hinsman explained that suspended taxes are not forgiven. They remain associated with the property but are not treated as delinquent while the suspension remains applicable. Collection may occur later, including when a property is sold. Supervisors expressed concern that a suspension lasting many years could accumulate into a significant balance and delay the county's receipt of those funds.
The second resolution nevertheless passed unanimously.
Tax-Sale Certificate and $500 Compromise
The board approved assignment of a county-held tax-sale certificate for a Waterloo property to Anthony and Juanita Garcia.
A related resolution proposed accepting a $500 compromise for taxes owed on the parcel. One supervisor questioned accepting $500 when $594 in principal real-estate taxes was discussed and suggested using the higher amount.
Other board members supported the $500 offer. Their reasoning included consistency with previous cases, the relatively small $94 difference, and the potential community benefit of having someone maintain property that had been vacant for years.
Anthony Garcia appeared before the board and explained that his family had connections to neighboring properties and intended to maintain the parcel, potentially creating a garden and usable outdoor space. The $500 compromise was approved unanimously.
Black Hawk County Jail HVAC Change Order
The board approved Change Order 003 from Young Plumbing and Heating Company for the Black Hawk County Jail HVAC and Building Automation System Upgrade Project.
The additional cost is $11,297.92. Facilities Director Rory Geving explained that additional direct digital control work was required for two energy recovery ventilators because of a discrepancy involving their operating systems and the project's original design.
The change increases the project above its original contract amount by $11,297.92. Geving indicated that this should be the final change order and that the county expected to move toward final payout.
The board held an extended discussion about this year's community-services funding process. The county has approved $100,000 for community funding requests.
Last year's process generated approximately 33 applications. Staff said scoring was not completed until around Thanksgiving, awards were not made until December, and contracts took additional time. That schedule made it difficult for some recipients to implement programs relying on county funding.
Supervisors generally believed the previous application and scoring process worked reasonably well but wanted a faster schedule. Ideas included giving new applicants a scoring advantage, but that suggestion was withdrawn because repeat recipients may continue to provide effective services deserving support.
The board also discussed whether applicants should disclose other county funding. Staff received direction to add language asking applicants to identify county funding received since approximately July 1, 2025, including funding through county departments.
Another unresolved issue is the scoring system. Last year's methodology weighted some categories differently. Supervisors discussed simplifying the rubric so applicants can more easily understand how their proposals will be evaluated. The board did not finalize a new scoring formula.
Staff indicated that the revised application could potentially be posted during the week of the meeting, with a roughly six-week application period. The scoring methodology can be addressed separately.
Depository Name Change
The board approved an updated list of financial institutions serving as depositories for Black Hawk County funds. The change reflected Midwest One Bank becoming Nicolet National Bank effective August 10.
The discussion characterized this as a name-related administrative update rather than a substantive change in county banking policy.
Support for Dunkerton Grant Application
The board approved a letter supporting the City of Dunkerton's amphitheater and sustainable-landscaping projects as the city seeks Resource Enhancement and Protection grant funding.
The action was a letter of support for the city's grant effort. It was not approval of the grant itself or a commitment of the requested grant funding by Black Hawk County.
During board reports, information was shared about a University of Iowa resource addressing data-center development and its effects on Iowa communities.
Topics identified included planning and zoning, water resources, energy resources, incentives, economic development, construction impacts, community concerns, and considerations when negotiating or communicating with developers.
The matter was presented as emerging information for county officials. No specific data-center project or county policy received formal action during this meeting.
Votes, Decisions, and Direction
- The meeting agenda was approved.
- County claims and payments were approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
- The consent agenda was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0. No item was identified in the transcript as having been removed for separate discussion.
- The full-time replacement office specialist requisition for the Sheriff's Office was approved.
- The full-time replacement office specialist requisition for the Treasurer's Office was approved.
- The $1,174 property-tax suspension for the parcel at 1648 Birch Avenue was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
- The $4,538 property-tax suspension for the property at 2217 West 8th Street was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
- Assignment of the identified county-held tax-sale certificate to Anthony and Juanita Garcia was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
- The $500 tax compromise associated with the Garcia parcel was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
- Change Order 003 for $11,297.92 for the Black Hawk County Jail HVAC and Building Automation System Upgrade Project was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
- The updated county depository list reflecting the bank name change was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, 5-0.
- A letter supporting the City of Dunkerton's amphitheater and sustainable-landscaping grant projects was approved.
- Staff received direction to revise the community-services funding application, add language concerning prior county funding, and move toward opening the application process promptly.
- The board deferred final decisions about changes to the community-services scoring methodology.
- The meeting was adjourned following a motion, second, and affirmative voice vote.
- The transcript does not reliably identify the maker and seconder of every motion, so those names are not assigned here.
Financial Matters
County claims consisted of $310,975.68 in reported bill payments plus $2,999.96 associated with the 6040 fund, a combined $313,975.64. The board approved the expenditures.
The county has allocated $100,000 for its current community-services funding process. The application, scoring, award, and contracting process remains to be completed.
The board approved a $1,174 property-tax suspension and a separate $4,538 property-tax suspension. These suspensions delay collection under the applicable statutory process rather than eliminating the underlying tax obligations.
The board approved a $500 compromise for taxes associated with a county-held tax-sale property after discussing whether the amount should instead be $594.
The jail HVAC project received an additional $11,297.92 through Change Order 003. Staff described this as the expected final change order before final project payout.
Policies, Ordinances, Resolutions, and Governance
Several actions were structured as formal resolutions, including claims, property-tax suspensions, tax-sale matters, the jail HVAC change order, county depositories, and the Dunkerton support letter.
The meeting also included discussion about financial transparency. Supervisors confirmed that county claims appear in approved minutes posted online, in addition to post-approval newspaper publication.
The community-services application process remains partly under development. The basic process is expected to continue, but application disclosure language will be revised and the board will revisit how scoring priorities should be communicated and weighted.
No new data-center ordinance, zoning regulation, or countywide policy was adopted. Data-center issues were raised as a developing subject requiring continued attention.
Reports, Presentations, and Updates
County Engineer Kathy Nicholas reported completion of the summer roadway program and ongoing work on Winslow Road Bridge and Hess Road.
The Engineer's Office also reported that field assessments are underway before recommendations are made concerning 55 mph and 60 mph speed limits.
During board reports, supervisors discussed an Iowa State Association of Counties property-tax presentation and noted that additional discussion of property-tax reform may occur in the future.
A University of Iowa data-center decision resource was also identified for distribution to county officials. It addresses planning, infrastructure, environmental resources, incentives, economic development, and community considerations associated with data-center development.
Personnel, Appointments, and Organizational Matters
The county recognized Linda Thompson of the Sheriff's Office for 40 years of county service and Garth Goodrich of the Recorder's Office for 25 years of service.
The board approved a full-time office specialist replacement position in the Sheriff's Office as recommended by Sheriff Nathan Nett.
The board also approved a full-time office specialist replacement position in the Treasurer's Office as recommended by Treasurer Linda Hinsman.
Discussion established that the positions replace existing vacancies and are not additions to the county's staffing level.
Projects, Facilities, Infrastructure, and Operations
The county reported completion of its summer roadway work, including resurfacing, restriping and seal coating.
Taylor Construction continued work on the Winslow Road Bridge, where pile driving was underway. The county bridge crew continued replacement of a smaller structure on Hess Road.
County engineering staff are assessing roads affected by the 55 mph to 60 mph speed-limit transition. Recommendations will consider road geometry, driveways, markings, signs, warning requirements, and operational conditions before final changes are recommended.
At the Black Hawk County Jail, the board approved $11,297.92 in additional controls work for the HVAC and building-automation upgrade. Staff expects this to be the final change order.
The board opened its regular public-comment period for matters not on the agenda. No one in the room or participating online came forward to speak.
Anthony Garcia later addressed the board during consideration of the tax-sale property. He explained his family's connection to neighboring properties and said the parcel would be maintained, with possible use as a garden and family outdoor space.
No other substantive public testimony is established by the meeting transcript.
Questions and Answers
A supervisor asked whether detailed county claims are available online. Staff confirmed that the claims are included in approved meeting minutes posted on the county website.
Supervisors asked County Engineer Kathy Nicholas what the 55 mph to 60 mph assessment involves. She explained that staff are driving the roads and examining driveways, curves, pavement markings, signs, warning-sign requirements, and the practical feel and safety characteristics of the roads before making recommendations.
A supervisor asked about the consequences of a long-term property-tax suspension. Treasurer Linda Hinsman explained that the taxes remain due but are not treated as delinquent during the suspension and may ultimately be collected when the property is sold or other qualifying circumstances occur.
During the tax-sale discussion, supervisors asked Anthony Garcia how the property would be used and maintained. He said his family intended to maintain it and potentially create a garden or outdoor area.
Supervisors asked whether the jail HVAC change order represented the end of additional project changes. Facilities Director Rory Geving indicated that it should be the final change order and that final payout was expected.
During the community-services discussion, supervisors asked whether last year's process should be changed. The general direction was to preserve much of the existing process, improve the timeline, add prior-funding disclosure language, and reconsider the scoring methodology separately.
Residents and taxpayers gain continued access to county claims through published meeting minutes, while the discussion indicates an ongoing interest in making detailed financial information easier to find.
Motorists may be affected by continuing bridge work and future speed-limit changes. The county has not yet completed its recommendations on the 55 mph to 60 mph transition, so specific road-by-road outcomes remain unresolved.
Community organizations may compete for $100,000 in county community-services funding. An earlier application schedule could give successful applicants more time to implement programs, while revised disclosure requirements may give supervisors more information about other county funding received by applicants.
County taxpayers are also affected by the approved tax suspensions because collection of those amounts is deferred. The board specifically discussed the fiscal implications when suspensions continue for many years.
The tax-sale action could return a vacant Waterloo parcel to active private maintenance. The board considered both the immediate tax compromise and the longer-term benefit of having the property maintained.
County employees and users of county services may be affected by filling vacancies in the Sheriff's and Treasurer's offices, which is intended to maintain staffing continuity rather than expand the workforce.
The jail HVAC change order represents an additional $11,297.92 project cost but is expected to complete required controls work and move the project toward final payment.
- Which county roads will ultimately be recommended for 60 mph limits, and when will those recommendations return to the board?
- What criteria will determine whether a road remains at 55 mph or transitions to 60 mph?
- When will the $100,000 community-services funding application officially open and close?
- How will applicants be informed about the final scoring system before submitting proposals?
- Will prior county funding affect an applicant's score, or will it be provided only as background information?
- How will the county measure the results of organizations receiving community-services funding?
- How frequently are property-tax suspensions reviewed when they remain in effect for multiple years?
- What is the final total cost of the Black Hawk County Jail HVAC and Building Automation System Upgrade Project after Change Order 003?
- When will Winslow Road Bridge and Hess Road work be completed?
- Will the county consider additional online tools for residents who want to review claims and other financial records?
- How might the University of Iowa data-center decision resource influence future county planning and zoning discussions?
- What additional public process would occur before Black Hawk County adopted policies affecting potential data-center development?
Important Dates and Next Steps
- Staff planned to revise the community-services funding application promptly following the August 4 meeting.
- Staff discussed trying to post the community-services application during the week of the meeting or by approximately August 15, with a roughly six-week application period.
- The board will revisit the community-services scoring methodology later; no final revised scoring formula was adopted on August 4.
- County engineering staff will continue road assessments and later present recommendations concerning the 55 mph to 60 mph speed-limit transition.
- Taylor Construction will continue work on Winslow Road Bridge.
- The county bridge crew will continue work on the Hess Road structure.
- The Treasurer's Office replacement office specialist was expected to begin by the end of October.
- Midwest One Bank's name change to Nicolet National Bank was reported as effective August 10.
- The jail HVAC project is expected to proceed toward final payout following the approved change order.
- County officials expect to continue receiving and reviewing information concerning data-center development and its potential effects on Iowa communities.
Key Takeaways
- The Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on August 4, 2026.
- All five supervisors were present at roll call.
- No one spoke during the general public-comment period.
- Linda Thompson was recognized for 40 years of county service.
- Garth Goodrich was recognized for 25 years of county service.
- The board approved $310,975.68 in reported bill payments plus $2,999.96 associated with the 6040 fund, a combined $313,975.64.
- Staff confirmed that county claims are included in approved minutes posted online.
- Summer roadway work was reported complete.
- Taylor Construction continued work on Winslow Road Bridge.
- County crews continued replacement of a small structure on Hess Road.
- Engineering staff are still assessing roads before recommending 55 mph or 60 mph speed limits.
- The board approved replacement office specialist positions in the Sheriff's and Treasurer's offices.
- The personnel actions fill vacancies rather than create additional positions.
- The board approved property-tax suspensions of $1,174 and $4,538.
- Suspended property taxes remain obligations and may be collected later.
- A county-held tax-sale certificate was assigned to Anthony and Juanita Garcia.
- The board accepted a $500 compromise associated with that tax-sale property.
- A $11,297.92 change order was approved for the jail HVAC and building-automation project.
- The county has set aside $100,000 for community-services funding requests.
- Last year's community-services process involved approximately 33 applications and was not completed until late in the year.
- Staff will revise the application and add a question concerning prior county funding.
- The board has not finalized changes to the community-services scoring methodology.
- The county approved an administrative depository update associated with Midwest One Bank becoming Nicolet National Bank.
- The board approved a letter supporting Dunkerton's amphitheater and sustainable-landscaping grant effort.
- Supervisors received information about a University of Iowa resource concerning data-center planning, infrastructure, resources, incentives, development, and community impacts.
Official Sources
About the Public Body
- Name: Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors
- Organization type: county
- Government body: county-boards
- Location: Waterloo, iowa
- County: Black Hawk County
- Provider: agendacenter
Keywords
Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors, Black Hawk County, Waterloo Iowa, county government, regular meeting, county claims, county payments, financial transparency, road projects, Winslow Road Bridge, Hess Road, speed limits, 55 mph, 60 mph, county engineering, Sheriff's Office, Treasurer's Office, personnel requisitions, property tax suspension, tax sale, Anthony Garcia, jail HVAC, building automation, Young Plumbing and Heating, community services funding, community grants, Nicolet National Bank, Dunkerton, REAP grant, data centers
