May 5, 2026

The Benton County Board of Supervisors met in regular session with Supervisors Seeman, Tippet and Volz present. Chairman Seeman called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. at the Benton County Service Center. Members of the public are invited to join in during open session or watch the livestream at https://www.youtube.com/bentoncountyiowa. Full Resolutions will be available in the Auditor’s office and at: www.bentoncountyia.gov

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the agenda. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the minutes of Tuesday, April 28, 2026. All members voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve the Class C liquor license for Blairstown Lions Club for Sauerkraut Days to be held on Labor Day Weekend. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve the FY25 Central Service Allocation Plan. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #26-36, Proclamation Commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary. Tippett, Volz and Seeman voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve Resolution #26-37, Enter into 28E Agreement for 3 years with Tama County and Benton County for Collections. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #26-38, Abatement of taxes on parcel 540-00810 in the amount of $313.00. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Matt Even reported that the public hearing for 9:15 a.m. for the land use change for Dylan Felton was withdrawn.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To set public hearing date of Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 9:15 a.m. for Mark and Kimberly Noe within the SW ¼ of the SE ¼ of Section 07-86-10. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To set public hearing date of Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. for Jordon and Jana Haerther within the SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 22-83-9. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To set public hearing date of Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 9:45 a.m. for Ben Grant within the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 04-84-9. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Volz moved/Tippett seconded: To approve RESOLUTION #26-39, Amending Resolution #26-26, Revising wording in policies and procedures regarding donated leave in Section 4.4 of Benton County’s Handbook. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To approve Resolution #26-40, Amending Resolution #25-97, Benton County Safety Footwear Policy word changing in regards for reimbursement. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

Committee Reports:

Supervisor Volz had a recent East Central Iowa Workforce Development meeting where they approved bills. Volz also has a Heartland Insurance meeting this week.

Supervisor Tippett reported on Central Iowa Juvenile Detention was working on the new bylaws in a 28E agreement. Once they approve it on their end, then the member counties can approve or ask to join.

Supervisor Seeman had a few different ECICOG meetings, along with Benton County’s Safety committee meeting last week.

Under Public Comments the topic was the proposed Morgan Valley Energy Plant and those voicing opposition. John Lee, Linn County resident started out by thanking the board for the letter of opposition sent and shared. Lee stressed that everyone needs to apply pressure wherever they can. Their group has been sharing concerns with Linn County and also been attending their board meetings and encouraged our Supervisors to do the same and attend one of their meetings in person. Jay Hopkins, Benton County resident wanted us all to be aware that Alliant officially filed for their permit with the Iowa Utilities Commission and stated that there was a lot of misinformation out there. Kelly Goodwin-Ackerman followed up on numerous emails she has sent to our Board. She also asked about putting a temporary moratorium out there until Benton County has opportunity to make ordinances. Ackerman also shared a supreme court case with the Attorney’s office so that they could go read up on it in regards to a case in Worth County. The Board continues to be opposed, and Chairman Seeman plans to attend that Utility Board hearing in person and hopes that they use common sense.

Tippett moved/Volz seconded: To adjourn meeting at 10:05 a.m. Tippett, Seeman and Volz voting aye. Motion carried.

_____________________________

Tracy Seeman, Chairman

ATTEST: _________________________________

Hayley Rippel, Benton County Auditor