The weekly COVID update was short as Public Health Director Sandy McGrath was at a vaccine clinic. Chairman Karl Helgevold who sits on the County Board of Health noted that the county is still receiving 200 doses of vaccine per week. Vaccine clinics for 65 and older residents continue. Helgevold said that Eagle Grove Pharmacy received 100 vaccine doses that they will be administering to 65 and older people as well. He added that the Board of Health continues to require masks in public places in the county, but they may relax some other requirements. They will issue a press release on this this week.
The board set two public hearings pertaining to the county budget. Both hearings will be held at the meeting on March 15, starting at 9:45 a.m. Auditor Betty Ellis noted that the proposed general basic tax rate will increase from $3.50 per thousand to $4.00, though she noted the general supplemental levy will be going down to maintain a minimal increase to the total levy rate. The full proposed budget will be published in the county newspapers next week.
Peggy Schluttenhofer, Wright County Treasurer, presented a property tax suspension from the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS). She explained that by code, the DHS may suspend taxes for qualifying individuals until they pass away or sell their property. The supervisors are required to approve such suspensions. The treasurer also presented her semi-annual report. It was noted that there were half a million dollars in delinquent taxes on the report, which Schluttenhofer noted was because, by state mandate, there was no tax sale last year. There will be one this year. She also reported she had no concerns, with revenues exceeding expenses.
Adam Clemons, Wright County Engineer, presented two resolutions to name roads around the Agribusiness Park. The road running south of C-56 in section 28 of Troy Township was named Clay Ave and the road running west off Clay was named 323rd Street. Road designations are required for 911 service. Clemons added that they did an employee training in the last week with motor grader operators to assure compliance with county ordinances and expectations. They also trained on building snow fences, which Clemons said they went on to do with existing snow at various places throughout the county.
