The Cherokee County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 with Bryan Petersen, Dave Skou, Ray Mullins II, Shane Bellefy and Cheryl Ellis (via zoom) present. There were no representatives from the press. Tony Puffett, Sam Johnson, Chuck Stubbe, Cindy Harpenau, Laura Benson, Arvin Druvenga, Justin Pritts and Stu Hogg 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 Bellefy 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.
Cindy Harpenau and Laura Benson, Mid Sioux Opportunity, gave an informative review of services offered to area residents and reported that 1,300 individuals received services in Cherokee County. Mid Sioux’s $10,500 budget request for 2026/2027 is the same as the current budget year. The request will be considered during the budget process.
Arvin Druvenga and Sam Johnson, Winther, Stave & Co., presented financials and audit review of the county’s financial activities and internal controls for the previous fiscal year.
Motion by Skou, seconded by Mullins to approve the 2024/2025 Fiscal Year Audit Draft as prepared by Winther, Stave & Co. Motion carried.
Motion by Mullins, seconded by Skou to approve a management representation letter to Winther, Stave & Co. for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Motion carried.
An employee benefits presentation was postponed.
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 Mullins, seconded by Bellefy to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 a.m.
All board agendas and minutes are available online at cherokeecounty.iowa.gov .
Kris Glienke, County Auditor
Bryan Petersen, Chairman
Published in the Marcus News on January 8, 2026