Harrison County Supervisors Meeting March 20, 2025 Chairman Brian Rife called the meeting to order with members Tony Smtih and Rebecca Wilkerson in attendance. Motion to approve the tentative agenda was made by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Motion to approve minutes from February 6th, February 10th, and February17th was made by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Attendance: Auditor Megan Reffett, Paul J. Rhoten, Susan Bonham, David Sherer, Tina Fagan, Diane Kuhlman, Michelle Stirtz, Jack Jones, Brandon Burmeister, Laura Soetmelk, Shelia Phillips Approval of Bolton & Menk, Inc Invoice The Board met as Trustees for the C & R Drainage District including Brian Rife, Tony Smith and Rebecca Wilkerson. Michelle Kersten, Drainage Clerk, presented the Board with information and after discussion the following were approved: Pay invoice in the amount of $11,987.50 to Bolton & Menk, Inc was unanimously approved on a motion by Rebecca Wilkerson and seconded by Tony Smith. Substance abuse contract with Heartland Family Services David Sherer presented the contract with Heartland Family Services that was discussed at the last meeting and what services they will provide for the county. Motion to approve by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Pay Voucher #2 for Courthouse Entrance Project Pay voucher #2 for payment in the amount of $3,958.65 was presented. Motion to approve by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Change Request #1 for Courthouse Entrance Project Discussion was held on sandblasting the light polls prior to painting to ensure the paint lasts. The board also discussed the savings that will be coming from removing the drain that was originally to be installed on the West side of the building that is no longer needed. Motion to approve change request #1 in the amount of $8,625.00 by Smtih, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Property Tax Agreement with Little Sioux Treasurer Shelia Phillips and Little Sioux Mayor Scott Ortiz presented on the parcels the City of Little Sioux has requested to have the County forgive taxes on. The City would like to clean up the properties and get them back on the tax roll. They plan to use one of the parcels for an expansion to the Little Sioux Fire Department also. In agreement the City would then forgive the City special assessments on properties in River Sioux to allow them to be put back on the tax roll also. Discussion was held on what has been done previously with other properties. Treasurer Phillips advised that previously the agreements would require taxes to be paid, and the County would forgive the penalties and interest. The Board agreed that they would like to see two agreements from Treasurer Phillips, one would be written the same as prior agreements and one would be 50% of the taxes due. Discussion on Wind and Solar Moratorium Discussion was held that the current moratorium has expired, the board wants to speak with the zoning director about how to proceed. US Bank Warrant The Board approved a handwritten warrant in the amount of $4,636.17 to US Bank. Motion by Smith, seconded by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Diane Kuhlman – Discussion on Employee Raises Diane Kuhlman presented the Board regarding the current salaries of jail employees. She provided the board with salaries from other similar counties and requested the board look at the salaries and consider raises for the jailers to be more competitive. Discussion on FY26 Budget Budget Director Megan Reffett requested the Board set the raises for FY26. The Board reviewed several scenarios that had been provided by Reffett. Chairman Rife recommended the scenario that would give $.55 on July 1, 2025, and $.55 on January 1, 2026, for all county employees similar to the Secondary Roads employees increase that was approved. Member Wilkerson had concerns with giving Elected Officials raises and requested that all Elected Officials receive a 0% raise for FY26. Rife made a motion to set the wage increase for FY26 at $.50 on July 1, 2025, and $.50 on January 1, 2026, for all county employees except jailers and $.55 on July 1, 2025, and $.55 on January 1, 2026, for jailers, second by Smith. Smith Yay. Rife Yay. Wilkerson Nay. Motion carried. Establish Salary Range for County Engineer Position Discussion on other countries’ salary ranges and current open positions was held. Motion to set the salary for the position at 130,000 to 150,000 by Smith, Second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Sign agreement with Pottawattamie County for interim Engineer The board discussed the agreement that was approved at the March 6th meeting. The Board signed the agreement to allow Pottawattamie to act as Interim County Engineer for Harrison County. Resolution for County Engineer The board was presented with the following resolution allowing the interim County Engineer to complete the certification of completion of work and acceptance of Farm-to-Market and Federal or State aid projects. BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Harrison County, Iowa, that John Rasmussen or Brandon Burmeister, the Interim County Engineer of Harrison County, Iowa, be and are hereby designated, authorized, and empowered on behalf of the Board of Supervisors of said County to execute the certification of completion of work and final acceptance thereof in accordance with plans and specifications in connection with all Farm-to-Market and Federal or State aid construction projects in this County. Motion by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Utility Permit for REC The Board approved the utility permit for Harrison County REC on Redwood Ave motion by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Utility Permit for Nishnabotna Valley REC The Board approved the utility permit for Nishnabotna Valley REC on 260th St, motion by Wilkerson, second by Smith. Motion carried. Public Comment Shelia Phillips – Gave comments about the raises and the budget discussion that was held Susan Bonham – Asked Rife for clarification on his motion regarding salaries and thanked him for including the Elected officials. Also gave comments on Rife and Smith giving up their mileage reimbursement. With business of the day completed, the Board adjourned on a motion by Wilkerson, second by Smith. Motion carried. ATTEST: Megan Reffett, Auditor Brain Rife, Chairman NOTE: These minutes are as recorded by the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors and are subject to Board approval at the next regular meeting. MVTN 3-26-25 TDR 3-27-25
