PROCEEDINGS FOR THE
TAYLOR COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Taylor County Board of Supervisors met in regular session at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 9, 2023.
Supervisor Fitzgerald called the meeting to order. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. Supervisor roll call: Fitzgerald, Watson, Beggs, all present. Also present: Corey Leftwich, Josh Good, Matt Strueby, Dana Davis, Rick Sheley, Rob Welch, Julie Robinson, Josh Weed, and Belinda Ogle.
Watson motioned to approve the minutes from February 2nd and February 6th, as well as approve the agenda for today’s meeting with the addition of discussion and possible approval to move the General Services employee under the direction of the Board of Supervisors. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson presented on the Blockton Council meeting he attended, and their desire to get their polling place back. Fitzgerald reported on his EMA meeting, and the request that was made to make the position full time. They advised they will not make the position full time but will provide a raise to the current employees.
In public comments, Davis and Sheley presented concerns with having security cameras put in their offices. Good advised that Midwest data was in the Courthouse to provide a quote on upgrades to infrastructure. Weed recommended that the additional conversations about security be discussed with the Courthouse Security Committee.
In other public comments, Welch advised the landowner dinner went well, and that they are around for questions as needed. That the wind measurement towers are currently in operation. Welch left the meeting.
Strueby had additional public comments, wanting to revisit the tax abatement discussion. The Board advised Strueby that they are working on reviewing the possibility of a tax abatement and how to implement that.
Clinton Spurrier joined the meeting. The Board asked Spurrier about the ability to include other County employees in the closed sessions about security. Spurrier advised the Board of the law regarding closed sessions related to security. Discussions continued related to the inclusion of others in the closed session, and it was reiterated that Davis and Sheley do not want cameras installed in their office.
Secondary Roads postponed and had no permits to discuss.
Beggs motioned to go into closed session, with Ogle, Good and Weed being included, under Iowa Code 21.5(i)(k) for records protected under Iowa Code 22.7(50). Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
The Board discussed infrastructure improvements related to security in Closed Session.
Beggs motioned to come out of closed session. Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Watson motioned to approve purchasing server components and preparing a server room for housing server components utilizing LOST funds, with future discussion on cameras being held with the security committee. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Leftwich presented the request to the Board, to purchase Transfer Book Software licensing that integrates with the County’s current software. He advised that now is the best time to transition from physical to digital since existing records will be digitized, and by digitizing future transfers it will reduce the duplication of work in the Auditor’s Office. Watson motioned to approve the purchase utilizing LOST funds in the amount $5,500. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Paul Maynes joined the meeting. Discussion regarding Taylor County Partners was tabled.
The Board discussed plans for 203 Main Street. Watson motioned to pursue the sale of 203 Main Street, with the discussion on proper procedure to be discussed with the County Attorney. Beggs seconded. MC 3-0.
Maynes advised that the Examining Board met and they are recommending Bethany Murphy be rehired if and when she passes the Assessor Examination. Maynes advised they had 4 or 5 applicants, most with no experience who applied for that role. Maynes also advised the Board that one applicant with prior education would be recommended if Murphy didn’t return. Maynes also recommend that the County appoint someone else to oversee the Assessor’s office if Murphy does return, possibly another Assessor.
Paige Beason joined the meeting. Beason left the meeting.
The Board discussed the appointment to the SIRHA Board. Watson motioned to reappoint Chris England to the SIRHA Board for another term of 3 years, to expire 4/9/26. Beggs abstained from the vote. MC 2-0.
The Board discussed the renewal of the liquor license for Dollar General. Beggs motioned to approve the renewal, Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
The Board discussed the procedure for listing county property for sale. The Board advised the County will continue to take sealed bids on county property being liquidated.
The Board discussed who the General Services employee, Shellia Culp, will report to. Watson motioned to put Culp under the authority of the Board of Supervisors per Iowa Code. Beggs seconds. MC 3-0.
The Board reviewed topics for discussion in future meetings. Beggs motioned to adjourn the meeting, Watson seconded. MC 3-0.
Ronald Fitzgerald, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Corey Leftwich, Auditor
The Taylor County Board of Supervisors meet regularly on Thursdays beginning at 9:00 a.m. All meetings are open to the public unless, for purposes described in Code of Iowa chapter 21, a closed meeting is necessary or advisable to protect the interests of individuals or the county. All persons are invited to take an active role in Taylor County government.
*Agenda appointments will need to be scheduled through the Taylor County Auditor’s Office. The deadline for new appointments is 4:00 p.m. on the Tuesday prior to the meeting.
