The Cherokee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 with Bryan Petersen, Cheryl Ellis, Dave Skou, Ray Mullins II and Shane Bellefy present. There were no representatives from the press. Jodi Mongan, Colin Paulsen, Phoenix Kerns, Derek Scott, Brian Flikeid, Becky Bloom, Kellen Ludvigson, Stephanie Henrich, Karin Cedar, Sam Boothby, Kelly Puhrmann, Maria Schueder and Stu Hogg were also in attendance. Unless otherwise indicated, all votes were offered as follows: Ayes – Mullins, Ellis, Bellefy, Skou, Petersen; Nayes – one; 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 Bellefy to approve the agenda. Motion carried.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Ellis to approve the minutes of the previous meeting. Motion carried.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Bellefy to approve the claims for payment as presented. Motion carried. A complete listing is available for review in the County Auditor’s office.
Claims Approved March 10, 2026:
AgState
Fuel 2,011.47
Alliant Energy
Serv 2,012.04
Emily C Ankenman
Serv 72.00
Ascendance Trucks Midwest LLC
Parts 1,705.10
Aurelia Historical Society
Approp 625.00
Aurelia Library
Approp 2,392.50
Aurelia Lumber Co Inc.
Supp 581.14
Aurelia Municipal Utility
Serv 169.56
Jessica D Baker
Reimb 35.00
Barco Municipal Products Inc
Supp 1,725.83
The Barns Horse Drawn Museum
Approp 625.00
Blaine’s Culligan
Supp 194.60
Bomgaars
Supp 48.41
CAASA
Approp 1,750.00
Cherokee Area Economic Develop
Approp 41,875.00
Calhoun Burns Associates, Inc
Serv 13,204.50
Campbell Supply Co
Parts 803.30
Central Bank
Supp 2,615.33
Cherokee Chronicle Times
Publ 517.34
Cherokee Co Emergency Services
Approp 30,000.00
Cherokee County EMS Assoc
Approp 2,500.00
Cherokee County Fair
Approp 6,250.00
Cherokee County Hazmat
Approp 3,089.50
Cherokee County Secondary Road
Fuel 1,553.67
Cherokee County Solid Waste
Approp 22,688.33
Cherokee Fire Department
Serv 120.00
Cherokee Library
Approp 3,850.00
Cherokee Regional Medical CTR
Approp 140,960.62
Cherokee Rural Water
Serv 218.65
Cherokee State Bank Flex/Merp
Flex/Self Fund 6,034.28
Cintas
Supp 40.82
City of Aurelia
Serv 600.00
City of Marcus
Serv 26.83
City of Meriden
Serv 35.00
City of Quimby
Serv 66.00
Cleghorn Library
Approp 2,392.50
CML Telephone Coop Assn
Serv 2,641.48
Connections Area Agency
Approp 500.00
Kimberly Dierenfeld
Reimb 175.00
Elan Financial Services
Supp 1,298.08
Family Crisis Centers
Approp 1,250.00
Fareway
Groceries 3,945.31
Fareway Commissary
Supp 212.62
Brian Flikeid
Serv 2,580.00
FORCE America Distributing,LLC
Parts 393.37
Adam Glienke
Per Diem 20.00
Gordon Flesch Company
Serv 91.78
GovConnection, Inc
Supp 473.11
Grand Meadow Heritage
Approp 625.00
H & S Electric
Serv 150.00
Interstate Battery System
Parts 743.10
Iowa Department of Revenue
Sales Ta 66.00
Iowa DOT
Training 100.00
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
Serv 300.00
Jack’s Uniforms & Equip
Clothing 477.60
Kapp’s Fire Extinguisher Sales
Serv 149.30
Kaseya US, LLC
Serv 11,493.75
Laurens House of Print LTD
Supp 443.35
Loffler Companies, Inc.
Supp 54.34
Jeff Lundquist
Per Diem 20.00
Marcus Ambulance Fund
Approp 8,500.00
Marcus Community Fair
Approp 1,600.00
Marcus Historical Society
Approp 625.00
Marcus Library
Approp 2,392.50
Marcus News Inc
Publ 320.51
Matheson Tri-Gas Inc
Supp 1,258.04
Mid American Energy
Serv 2,515.00
MOCIC Mid-States Organized
Dues 100.00
Modern Heating & Cooling, Inc
Serv 135.62
Murphy Tractor & Equipment Co
Parts 398.21
Northside Tire
Serv 425.75
Northwest Iowa Assessor’s
Dues 275.00
Nuvera
Serv 65.00
NW Iowa Yes Center
Shelter 1,199.30
O’Reilly Auto Parts
Supp 49.52
Kent Ohlson
Per Diem 25.00
One Office Solution
Supp 23.49
Point C Health COE
Caf Admin Fees 75.00
Prestox
Serv 211.54
Professional Office Services
Serv 7.00
Quimby Library
Approp 2,392.50
Rees Mack Sales & Service
Parts 124.93
Sanitary Services Inc
Serv 480.40
SEAT Treasurer
Dues & Training Fees 575.00
Secretary of State Notary
Dues 30.00
Cody Simonsen
Per Diem 20.00
Sioux Valley Family Health
Serv 140.00
Siouxland Regional Transit
Approp 7,670.25
Snap On Credit LLC
Subscription 94.00
Solutions Inc Harris
Serv 2,060.82
Barb Steward
Serv 300.00
T Mobile
Serv 920.51
Triple C Pest Control
Serv 80.00
Valley Glass & Framing Co
Serv 397.90
Veenstra & Kimm Inc
Serv 1,043.00
Verizon Wireless
Serv 555.69
Vestis
Uniforms 86.80
Visual Edge IT VEIT, LLC
Serv 27.56
Visual Edge IT INC
Serv 294.12
WahlTek
Serv 3,750.00
Washta Library
Approp 2,392.50
Western Iowa Tech Community
Fee 20.00
WHKS & Co
Serv 8,869.07
Ziegler Inc
Supp 4,999.01
Grand Total 379,118.05
There were no comments from the public.
Kelly Puhrmann, County Engineer, presented documents drafted by the county attorney for leasing tillable acres owned by the county and discussed activities in the Secondary Roads Department including staffing needs.
Motion by Mullins, seconded by Bellefy to authorize the County Engineer to fill an additional operator position subject to confirmation of a pending resignation. Motion carried.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Bellefy to approve #2026-08 Resolution of Desire to Lease Real Property “WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors for Cherokee County, Iowa, desire to enter into a three (3) year farm lease for the following described real property:
A parcel of land described as being a part of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (SE ¼ NW ¼) and a part of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter (NE ¼ SW ¼) both in Section thirty (30), Township Ninety-three (93) North, Range Thirty-nine (39) West of the 5th P.M., Cherokee County, Iowa, further described as follows:
Beginning at the Northeast corner of the Southeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of said Section 30; thence South 00°08’20” West on the East line of the Southeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of said Section 30, a distance of 1321.55 feet to the Southeast corner of the Northwest ¼ of said Section 30, also being a point on the Centerline of a Local County Road; thence South 35°03’54” West on said Centerline, a distance of 379.63 feet to the point of curvature of tangent curve, concave to the Northwest, having a radius of 2399.50 feet and a central angle of 11°28’34”; thence Southwesterly along said curve and said Centerline, a distance of 480.61 feet; thence North 00°08’20” East, a distance 2001.36 feet to a point on the North line of the Southeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of said Section 30; thence South 89°21”53” East on said North line, a distance of 530.02 feet to the Point of Beginning; said described Parcel A contains a total of 20.51 acres, inclusive of a Public Roadway Easement of 0.66 acres. Said Parcel A is also subject to any and all other Easements of Record.
For the purpose of this Survey, the East line of the Southeast ¼ of the Northwest ¼ of said Section 30 is assumed to bear South 00°08”20” West.
Said real estate has 18.91 tillable acres.
WHEREAS, Cherokee County Board of Supervisors intends to lease the property to Mike Mummert in the amount of $285,00 per acre. The lease amount will be subject to an annual review and any potential increase of mining on the property. Any annual lease amount will be reduced by and reduction of the number of acres to be leased, and
WHEREAS, Cherokee County Board of Supervisors believe said lease to be in the best interest of the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Supervisors for Cherokee County, Iowa, hereby resolves to enter into a three (3) year farm lease of the above-described real estate to Mike Mummert under the terms and conditions listed above.
Further, the Board of Supervisors for Cherokee County resolve that said lease should occur following published notice as provided in Iowa Code Section 331.305.”
Roll call vote: Mullins-aye, Ellis-aye, Bellefy-aye, Skou-aye, Petersen-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Motion by Mullins, seconded by Skou to set a Public Hearing for Lease of Real Estate in S30-T93-R39 on Tuesday, May 31, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Motion carried.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Mullins to approve #2026-09 Resolution of Desire to Lease Real Property
WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors for Cherokee County, Iowa, desire to enter into a three (3) year farm (pasture) lease the following described real property:
Parcel “B”, a parcel of land described as being a part of Parcel “A” (Doc. #2018-1108, Cherokee County Recorder’s Office) of the North Half of the Northwest Quarter (N ½ NW ¼) of Section Fifteen (15), Township Ninety (90) North, Range Forty-one (41) West of the 5th P.M., Cherokee County, Iowa, further described as follows:
Beginning at the Northeast corner of the Northwest Quarter (NW ¼) of said Section Fifteen (15), also being the Northeast corner of said Parcel “A” (the following nine courses are common to said Parcel “A”); thence South 03°28’39” West on the East line of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE ¼ NW ¼) of said Section Fifteen (15), a distance of 1338.33 feet to the Southeast Corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE ¼ NW ¼) of said Section Fifteen (15); thence South 88°01’10” West on the South line of the North Half of the Northwest Quarter (N ½ NW ¼) of said Section Fifteen (15), a distance of 1668.10 feet; thence North 25°54’54” East, a distance of 579.38 feet; thence North 87°41’13” East, a distance of 324.62 feet; thence North 03°59’46” East, a distance of 279.10 feet; thence South 86°53’34” East, a distance of 87.24 feet; thence North 41°46’38” East, a distance of 77.37 feet; thence North 13°01’45” East, a distance of 551.80 feet to a point on the North line of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE ¼ NW ¼) of said Section Fifteen (15); thence South 89°22’32” East on said North line a distance of 3.13 feet; thence South 07°13’51” West, a distance of 374.66 feet; thence South 83°52’32” East, a distance of 290.13 feet; thence South 00°19’49” East, a distance of 129.23 feet; thence South 87°04’32” East, a distance of 455.01 feet; thence North 44°22’52” East, a distance of 159.66 feet; thence North 04°11’23” East, a distance of 432.97 feet to a point on the North line of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NE ¼ NW ¼) of said Section Fifteen (15); thence South 89°22’32” East on said North line, a distance of 45.29 feet to the Point of Beginning; said described Parcel “B” contains 28.26 acres and is subject to any and all Easements, be they of record or not.
WHEREAS, Cherokee County Board of Supervisors intends to lease the property to Nathaniel Morgan for a period of for three (3) years in the amount of $50.00 per acre. The lease amount will be subject to annual review and any potential increase of mining on the property. Any annual lease amount will reduced by any reduction of the number acres to be leased.
WHEREAS, Cherokee County Board of Supervisors believe said lease to be in the best interest of the public.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Supervisors for Cherokee County, Iowa, hereby resolves to enter into a three (3) year farm lease of the above-described real estate to Nathaniel Morgan under the terms and conditions listed above.
Further, the Board of Supervisors for Cherokee County resolve that said lease should occur following published notice as provided in Iowa Code Section 331.305.
Roll call vote: Mullins-aye, Ellis-aye, Bellefy-aye, Skou-aye, Petersen-aye. Motion carried and resolution adopted.
Motion by Mullins, seconded by Ellis to set a Public Hearing for Lease of Real Estate in S15-T90-R41 on Tuesday, May 31, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Motion carried.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Bellefy to authorize the county engineer to hire one temporary seasonal general labor position for 2026 summer projects. Motion carried.
Puhrmann reported on construction projects and discussed activities in the Secondary Roads Department.
Derek Scott, County Sheriff, presented a wage authorization for consideration and requested an exception to the county personnel policy.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Skou to approve a $34.00 per hour wage authorization for Isaiah Isaacs, Full-Time Deputy, effective March 10, 2026 with a benefit exception as follows: 1.) Isaacs will be given 40 hours (1 week) of vacation upon hire date of March 10, 2026 and will not accrue vacation hours per pay period as stated in the employee handbook. 2.) On his first anniversary (3/10/2027), Isaacs shall be given 40 hours (1 week) of vacation and will thereafter follow the vacation schedule as stated in the employee handbook. Motion carried.
Jodi Mongan, County Treasurer, presented a wage authorization and request for abatement of fees on a mobile home.
Motion by Ellis seconded by Skou to approve a $21.50 per hour wage authorization for Ashley Hautt, Treasurer Clerk, effective March 26, 2026 (pending successful completion of a pre-employment physical capacity test) including a wage adjustment on July 1, 2026 to $22.00 per hour wage. Motion carried.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Mullins to abate accrued interest and penalties on a property located at 1825 530th Street – Lot 71, Cherokee, Iowa (parcel #0580035818) as requested by Colin Paulsen and Phoenix Kerns. Motion carried.
Brian Flikeid, Aurelia/Marcus Chief of Police, and Stephanie Henrich, CAASA Executive Director, presented a proclamation for the board’s consideration.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Skou to approve the 2026 for Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation
“WHEREAS, sexual assault can affect all regardless of sex, age, race, cultural, or economic backgrounds; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the immediate physical and emotional cost, sexual assault may also have associated consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, depression, homelessness, eating disorders and suicide; and
WHEREAS, sexual assault can be devastating not only to the survivor, but also for the family, friends, and community of the survivor; and
WHEREAS, since no one person, organization, agency, or community can eliminate sexual assault on their own, we must work together to educate our entire population about what can be done to prevent sexual assault, support survivors and their significant others, and support those agencies providing services to survivors.
NOW THEREFORE, we the Board of Supervisors in and for Cherokee County, on behalf of all staff and citizens of Cherokee County do hereby proclaim the month of April, 2026 as:
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH
In Cherokee County, IA, and encourage all citizens to learn more about preventing sexual violence.”
Becky Bloom and Kellen Ludvigson, Angell Insurance Agency, presented Cherokee County’s annual health insurance renewal. A previous proposal for group health insurance through Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) was also reviewed. A lengthy discussion followed with consideration given to pros and cons of each option.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Mullins to remain with Angell Insurance Agency as the county’s health insurance agent of record and approve a July 1, 2026 renewal of Wellmark Plan PM254/RM418 ($4,000/$8,000 deductible; $8,000/$16,000 out of pocket maximum; $30 office visit co-pay; $25/$50/$100 with $225 specialty/$275 np specialty RX) including a 9.95% premium increase. Motion carried with Petersen voting nay.
In an effort to reduce annual premium increases and to maintain affordable health benefits for employees; Cherokee County purchases a higher deductible health insurance plan and partially self-funds a buy down of deductibles to $1,000/$2,000 and out of pocket maximums of $2,000/$4,000. RX prescriptions are bought down to $15/$45/$75. Premium costs for fiscal year 2026/2027 will be: $1,054.33 per month for Single Policy and $2,679.32 per month for Family Policy. Employee insurance contributions will remain the same with single policies paying $100 per month and family policies paying $350 per month, however, employees hired prior to 1991 are provided family coverage for the cost of a single policy.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Mullins to appoint Roman Redig to fill a vacancy in the Pitcher Township Clerk position formerly held by Roger Redig, with a term ending on December 31, 2028. Motion carried.
Motion by Ellis, seconded by Skou to approve transition from Hopkins & Huebner, P.C. to Hinders, Updegraff and Franklin, P.L.C for legal representation on a pending case. Motion carried.
Review of the 2026/2027 budget continued.
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 Ellis, seconded by Mullins to adjourn the meeting at 12:01 p.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 March 26, 2026