LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023 9:02 A.M.
(These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www.linncounty.org).
The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Vice Chairperson Rogers and Supervisor Kirsten Running-Marquardt. Absent: Chairperson Zumbach (personal business). Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.
Vice Chairperson Rogers called the meeting to order.
Motion by Rogers, seconded by Running-Marquardt to approve minutes of March 6, 2023 as printed.
The Board heard updates from the following Elected Officials:
Nick Maybanks, Attorney – case load statistics; expressed extreme importance for the need of additional staff and gave examples. Board members acknowledged Maybanks concerns and will review funding with Finance. Union agreement reached; Expungement Clinics in April; two interns joining his office; legislative endeavors passed the funnel; worried about state reorganization proposal; succuss with recent trials.
Shayl Wilson, Attorney’s Office, explained the new Retail Theft Diversion Program and presented the deferred prosecution agreement for first time offenders.
Brent Oleson, Treasurer – expressed his urgent need for an additional Universal Clerk; property tax collection underway; GIS working on a property tax website tool; committee meeting today on the Treasurer’s bill; discussed increase in fees his office collects to offset the property tax obligation; attending ISAC Conference this week; all team meeting is tomorrow morning; offering overtime Saturday to help their office get caught up.
Supervisor Rogers stated that Oleson’s first quarter has been very successful and rewarding. Oleson organized a potluck that was postponed. Rogers is proud of the work Oleson has put in so far.
Rhonda Betsworth, Deputy Auditor – discussed the valuation report and the effect on entities in Linn County (will work with those entities that need to fix their budgets); resolution is on tomorrow’s agenda regarding township’s and IPERS review.
Supervisor Rogers commended Betsworth on her exemplary work. Betsworth came back from a vacation (which speaks volumes to her) to recalculate the valuation report due to the State’s SF 181. Vacation is earned and should not be interrupted. Betsworth’s work is definitely seen and appreciated.
Joel Miller, Auditor – highlighted the need for an Accounting Manager in their office; conversion of two deputies to management positions to get away from staff being political appointees; Governor’s reorganization plan has a provision for the Attorney General of the State of Iowa to be in charge of election related crimes; some counties are being forced to go to five supervisors; two special elections today (PPEL).
Supervisor Rogers stated that he valued Deputy Warfield’s notification to the Board of his requirement to keep the Elections Office open during inclement weather due to early voting taking place.
Adjournment at 10:13 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor
By: Amanda Hoy, Executive Assistant
APPROVED BY:
BEN ROGERS, Vice Chairperson
Board of Supervisors
Published in the MVL Sun, March 23, 2023.