The appointment of Kathleen Rder as the new County Attorney was a significant topic. Rder will fill the position vacated by Carl Schmidt, who is moving to the District Court. Rder, a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience in the county attorney’s office, was appointed by consensus to serve the remainder of Schmidt’s term until January 4, 2027. Her salary was set at $132,000, and the motion passed without opposition.

Another issue was the need to address problems with the county’s underground fuel storage tanks, specifically a compromised unleaded fuel tank at the highway department. A recent alarm prompted an investigation, revealing a breach in the inner wall of the tank. Although the outer wall contained the leak, preventing environmental contamination, immediate repairs are necessary, estimated to cost around $32,000. The county purchased these tanks in 2006, and while they carry a 30-year warranty, doubts were expressed over whether repairs would be covered. Discussions are ongoing with warranty representatives, but the situation has prompted debate over whether to repair the tanks or replace them with above-ground alternatives.

Concerns about the tanks’ reliability were amplified by the dependency of other departments, including the sheriff’s department, on the fuel stored within these tanks. Commissioners discussed the potential risks of leaking tanks, the cost implications of repairs versus replacement, and the logistical benefits of above-ground tanks. The urgency of resolving this issue was underscored, with the possibility of contracting with local fuel providers as a temporary solution should the tanks become unusable.

Additionally, the board addressed safety improvements on county roads, focusing on a road striping project covering over 25 miles. The project will utilize a durable, reflective epoxy material, raising the total cost to approximately $142,000, with a portion funded by federal grants. The discussion included the use of rumble strips, with considerations given to their impact on heavy equipment.

The meeting also tackled the evolving cannabis legislation, which mandates counties to establish regulations governing cannabis businesses by January 1, 2025. Benton County is considering a moratorium on cannabis-related businesses until this date to allow for thorough study and regulation formulation. This proposal was supported by the Planning Commission, and a public hearing is scheduled for July 16 to discuss the ordinance. This moratorium would apply solely to the county, excluding cities like Foley and Sock Rapids, which have separate licensing capabilities.

Property assessment challenges were further discussed, with the Assessor’s Office managing an increase in parcels per appraiser, leading to capacity concerns. The state recommends 4,000 to 4,500 parcels per appraiser, but the office currently handles approximately 13,250 parcels. The need for additional assessors is critical, especially in areas like Minden Township, which is seeking a replacement for the 2024 valuation period. Discussions explored transitioning to a county-wide assessment system to streamline processes and improve equity.

In the realm of local business development, the board reviewed a modified microloan request from Northern Hollow Winery, which is expanding its project to include an event center. The winery’s loan structure was updated to include a new operating company, and the Initiative Foundation increased its contribution to $500,000. The board approved the loan changes, with the expectation of creating four new jobs within two years.

Finally, the meeting touched on County Ditch 14 and County Ditch 10, with discussions focused on necessary repairs and compliance with new legislation affecting wetland mitigation. The board acknowledged the challenges posed by these regulatory changes and the substantial costs associated with potential repairs. The commissioners committed to ongoing discussions to navigate the evolving landscape and address community needs effectively.