County holds second reading for ordinance codes

By Mary Zielinski
The supervisors Tuesday held the second reading of the updated county code of ordinances. The third reading and passage is expected at the August 4 meeting. Most of the changes, said County Auditor Bill Fredrick, reflects changes in the state law to bring the county into compliance with them.
An interesting aspect is that now the county cannot plow state roads or the state county ones. It need not be a permanent impasse since County Egineer Dave Patterson said if a 28E Agreement is enacted between the Iowa Department of Transportation and the county the plows can run anywhere. And probably will.
Much of the session concerned suspension of property taxes for two separate cases.
County Treasurer Jeffery Garrett explained that one was virtually automatic since the individual receives state and federal assistance. The other is an individual who is current on taxes, but because of a disability from an jury at work may have problems with the next tax payment due in September. He added that at present he did not have an exact taxes figure for the person. No interest or penalty will attach until October 1, and the supervisors noted it could wait until shortly before then since the woman’s situation could change.
Garrett said the women hopes to be able to return to work.
He added that while “we want to help,” care must be taken about setting a precedent. The suspension would not eliminate the taxes or any accured interest and penalties, but simply would suspend the payment.
“The person is trying to so something,” said Supervisor Adam Mangold, noting “she contacted us.” He suggested that “we not worry about it until October.”
In other business, the board:

• approved personnel changes for the Washington County Communications service for two employees with Michelle Wade going to casual part-time and Michael Powers to regular part-time;
• approved changes in personnel wage rates for the sheriff’s department that also involve two jail staff going from casual part-time to regular part-time as well as adding one to the reserve deputies which, it was noted, has been understaffed;
• approved a letter of support for the city of Wellman’s application for a
  REAP grant to provide a trail system between the Wellman Elementary School and the city’s North Park; and
• discussed boards and commissions, noting there are two boards with members’ terms that have expired and another that still has a vacancy. There were no appointments made.