The Cherokee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 with Rick Mongan, Bryan Petersen, Duane Mummert, Cheryl Ellis and Dave Skou present. There were no representatives from the press. Gary Lundquist, Bill Anderson, Brian Freed, Kelly Puhrmann, Kenny Schlenger, and Justin Pritts were also in attendance. Unless otherwise indicated, all votes were offered as follows: Ayes – Petersen, Ellis, Skou, Mummert, Mongan; Nayes – none; Abstentions – none.
Chairman Mongan called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Petersen, seconded by Mummert to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Ellis to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.
There were no comments from the public.
Kelly Puhrmann, County Engineer, discussed activities in the Secondary Roads Department and reported that the sign foreman has been out at night checking visibility of signs. Puhrmann wanted to notify the public that they should not be concerned if they see a vehicle with county markings driving slowly, braking often and shining a light on road signs and 911 address markers. The west side of the county is being evaluated this year and the east side will be checked next year.
Bill Anderson, CAEDC Director, and Brian Freed presented an overview of successful economic development projects over the last year. Anderson presented plaques to Duane Mummert and Rick Mongan with appreciation for their dedication and timeless hours dedicated to economic development in Cherokee County. The supervisors thanked the CAEDC Board for their hard work and commitment to creating a positive business climate in Cherokee County.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Mummert to approve Resolution #2024-13 Inter-Fund Operating Transfer of $1,050,000.00 from Rural Basic Fund to Secondary Road Fund effective December 17, 2024. Roll call vote: Petersen-aye, Ellis-aye, Mummert-aye, Skou-aye, Mongan-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Motion by Petersen, seconded by Ellis to approve Resolution #2024-14 Inter-Fund Operating Transfer of $232,500.00 from Rural Basic Fund to UR Roadway Project Fund effective December 17, 2024. Roll call vote: Petersen-aye, Ellis-aye, Mummert-aye, Skou-aye, Mongan-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Mummert to approve Resolution #2024-15 Inter-Fund Operating Transfer of $95,000.00 from General Basic Fund to UR Roadway Project Fund effective December 17, 2024. Roll call vote: Petersen-aye, Ellis-aye, Mummert-aye, Skou-aye, Mongan-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Mummert to appoint Bryan Petersen as the supervisor representative on the Youth Emergency Services (YES Center) Board for the 2025 year. Motion carried.
Motion by Mummert, seconded by Skou to appoint Cheryl Ellis as the supervisor representative on the Mid-Sioux Opportunities Board for the 2025 year. Motion carried.
The supervisors provided committee reports, reviewed meeting schedules.
The impact of HF718 on the county’s budget was discussed. Total tax revenue is limited to a 2% growth which causes the board to make difficult decisions about funding required services while maintaining the current work force. The supervisors reviewed elected official salaries per Iowa Code Section 331.905 and SF2442.
Motion by Mummert, seconded by Skou to recommend Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Elected Official salaries be increased by $832.00 (40 cents per hour) for the Attorney, Auditor, Recorder, Sheriff, Treasurer; reduce each Supervisor salary by $832.00; and to provide an additional floating holiday for all full-time county employees (8 hours per fiscal year granted at the discretion of department managers) effective July 1, 2025. Motion carried.
There being no further business, Chairman Mongan called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Mummert to adjourn the meeting at 10:29 a.m.
All board agendas and minutes are available online at cherokeecounty.iowa.gov .
Kris Glienke, County Auditor
Rick Mongan, Chairman
Published in the Marcus News on January 2, 2024