by Amanda Rink, Editor
March 3, 2025 – The Wright County Board of Supervisors met on Monday morning to handle key issues, including drainage projects, funding for search and rescue services, and the county’s budget amendments. All officials were present for the session. However, the meeting was unexpectedly disrupted when an unauthorized party disrupted the Zoom session in a “Zoom bombing” incident.
Drainage Trustees Approve Invoice – The meeting began at 9:00 A.M. with the board acting as Drainage Trustees. There were no claims or work orders needing approval. The board approved a drainage invoice to Allan Weicht for the trapping of beavers in the Grant drainage district for $350. Drainage Administrator Courtney Morris also shared an upcoming March 10 conference call regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DKM Natural Gas. The board then moved into their discussion as the Board of Supervisors after a brief interruption from a “Zoom Bomber”.Â
Zoom Bombing Disrupts Meeting – During the Drainage District Trustees meeting, the board was unexpectedly interrupted by a “Zoom Bombing” incident. Unidentified individual(s) entered the meeting and displayed inappropriate content. The board was forced to end the live meeting and begin a new one.Â
The act of hijacking public virtual meetings has been an increasing issue at both state and local levels with reports of perpetrators using offensive language, images, or videos to derail discussions. While some may consider “Zoom Bombing” as a prank, legal experts warn that these disruptions can carry consequences like computer trespassing, disruption of a public meeting, hate crime charges, and cyber harassment. In past cases, individuals responsible for Zoom bombings have faced fines and even jail time but it is unclear if law enforcement or county officials will proceed with legal actions.
Supervisor Rick Rasmussen offered an apology to those in person and online for the incident and the meeting moved on.Â
Wright County Search and Rescue – Longtime Wright County Search and Rescue leader Rod Heiden shared his retirement and introduced his replacement, Tony Olson. Heiden and Olson reported aging equipment and requested that the county act as an agent of matching funds when Search and Rescue applies for the Wright County charitable grant next year.
Public Voices Concerns on Road Maintenance – A county resident, identified as Dan, raised concerns about excess dirt in roadside ditches, weed pressure, and dirt plugging intakes which don’t allow for water to flow out of ditches. “Why do we want dirt in the ditch? I just feel like it is excessive,” the community member stated, urging Secondary Roads to review their current practices.Â
“We’re reviewing the process,” shared Wright County Engineer Adam Clemons who shares he thinks it is mostly soil in the ditches from gutter created rather than gravel. Later in the meeting, Clemons presented plans to establish an Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Plan, which the board approved. In other road matters the board heard of a request to cover costs for road watering.Â
Belmond Area Arts Center Funding Request – The board heard and approved a $1,500 request for road watering during the Belmond Area Arts Center Power Show, matching funds granted in previous years rather than the new request of $2,000. They moved on to approve other fiscal matters.Â
County Compensation Increases – Resolution 2025-10 proposed a salary increase for elected officials, excluding the Supervisors. The County Compensation Board suggested a 2% salary increase for the county auditor, recorder, sheriff, and treasuser. The board then held a public hearing and scheduled other hearings.
Current and Upcoming Public Hearings – A public hearing was set for April 7, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. for the proposed property tax levy, which county residents will receive a letter regarding. On March 17 property owners in Iowa Township along Youngblood Avenue will have their chance to speak on vacating a portion of Youngblood Avenue, which would transfer ownership of the land to adjacent landowners and remove an aging bridge. A budget amendment for the current fiscal year was held, and the board noted that costs were being kept down while revenue had increased.Â
The next board of supervisors meeting is Monday, March 10 at 9:00 A.M. This meeting and past meetings can be viewed online at youtube.com/@wrightcountyiowaofficial8312
