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The detour payment is a standard practice by the state to compensate the county for the accelerated wear caused by the additional traffic. County Engineer David Patterson stated every section of the pavement was extensively inspected and photographed before and after the detour period. Patterson stated that his office was very satisfied with the offer. A budget amendment would be needed to add the payment to the Secondary Roads Department budget and allocated the amount to a specific area.
The Board received and accepted four quarterly reports from various departments.
The General Assistance report indicated 27 claims approved for payments of $3,140 for the first quarter of the fiscal year. General Assistance Director Sue Rich indicated a large increase in the number of applications at 64 compared to 35 for the previous quarter. The majority of the payments were utilized for rent and utility assistance. Rich stated that the $4,688 funding appropriation adjustment approved by the Board at the Oct. 27 meeting was part of the Federal stimulus funding and was not anticipated. That amount together with $6,914 from the Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program will be available to assistance County residents.
The Veteran Affairs report indicated 24 of 29 applications approved for the quarter for a total distribution of $4,130. The amount was above the previous quarter due to the additional expense of one burial. Veteran Affair Administrator Sue Rich indicated that assistance had been provided to 14 county veterans in filing federal claims for pensions and compensation during the most recent quarter.
The County Recorder's report indicated receipts of $5,220 which was slightly above the past quarter receipts.
The County Auditor's report indicated a modest revenue increase received from the sale of a large number of 911 address maps and receipts from fireworks permits.
The Board approved a request from Sue Rich of Veterans Affairs for a temporary part-time staff person. The responsibilities of the person will be to implement the mailing of information cards to all the veterans in Washington County and complete the data entry of approximately 600 grave records.
The information post cards will be mailed to 1261 veterans identified from property tax records. The cards urge wartime veterans and their surviving widows to contact the Veterans Affairs office for assistance in securing Federal benefits.
The Board motion approved the position at eight hours per week at $8per hour to complete the tasks. No county funds will be involved in the project as the annual $10,000 State allocation for Veterans Affairs for this year was designated to cover administrative costs when in prior years it was directed to general assistance.
A resolution granting the suspension of property taxes was approved by the Board. Treasurer Jeff Garrett stated the new application for the suspension included documentation from the State DHS and is required to be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors.
At the close of the regular meeting, the Board entered closed session referencing Code of Iowa 21.5(1c.) for discussion of matters presently in litigation. Information provided stated the session involved a new case and was not related to current matters regarding a health insurance claim, union contract negotiations or the Riverside agreement.
After returning to open session, the Board approved a motion to accept the recommendations of outside and local legal counsel to settle the case as presented in the closed session including payment of a deductible in the amount of $5,000. No further information was provided about the matter.
