The Cherokee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 with Bryan Petersen, Cheryl Ellis, Dave Skou, Ray Mullins II and Shane Bellefy present. There were no representatives from the press. Tony Puffett, Laura Jones, Derek Scott, Kelly Puhrmann, Chuck Stubbe, Kenny Schlenger, Nat Story, Karin Cedar, Sam Boothby, Stu Hogg, Jodi Mongan, Brian Freed and Bill Anderson were also in attendance. Unless otherwise indicated, all votes were offered as follows: Ayes – Mullins, Ellis, Bellefy, Skou, Petersen; Nayes – none; Abstentions – none.
Chairman Petersen called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion by Mullins, seconded by Ellis to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Bellefy to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.
There were no comments from the public.
Kelly Puhrmann, County Engineer, provided an update on activities in the Secondary Roads Department; reviewed the snow service ordinance; requested an update on the process of leases on county owned properties; and requested review of the county personnel policy to address overtime for hours worked on weekends.
Derek Scott, County Sheriff, expressed frustration with communication with the Civil Service Commission; discussed staffing needs and requested additional part-time deputy positions to help with covering shifts.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Bellefy to authorize the Sheriff to fill two part-time deputy positions. Motion carried.
Laura Jones, Conservation Director, presented the Cherokee County Conservation Board Annual Report for 2024-2025. The report included details on usage of facilities, educational programming attendance & programs, flood damage, and grant monies received. Motion by Ellis, seconded by Skou to accept the annual report. Motion carried.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Skou to approve Resolution 2025-24 Operating Transfer of $50,000.00 from General Fund to Conservation Acquisition Fund. Roll call vote: Mullins-aye, Ellis-aye, Bellefy-aye, Skou-aye, Petersen-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Bill Anderson, CAEDC Director, and Brian Freed presented an overview of successful economic development projects over the last year. The supervisors thanked the CAEDC Board for their hard work and commitment to creating a positive business climate in Cherokee County.
Motion by Mullins, seconded by Bellefy to authorize a request from the Powder Players, Inc. Snowmobile Club to mark and maintain a trail system in Marcus Township along C Avenue from the junction of Highway 3 north to 480th Street and east on 480th Street to the west corporate limits of the City of Marcus. Motion carried.
The supervisors provided committee reports and reviewed meeting schedules.
There being no further business, Chairman Petersen called for a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion by Bellefy, seconded by Ellis to adjourn the meeting at 10:48 a.m.
All board agendas and minutes are available online at cherokeecounty.iowa.gov .
Attest: Kris Glienke, County Auditor
Bryan Petersen, Chairman
Published in the Marcus News on January 1, 2026