Mahaska County Supervisors Address Budget, Insurance, and Tower Maintenance in May 19 Meeting
The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors met Monday, May 19, 2025, covering a broad agenda that included finalizing a budget amendment, discussing changes in county insurance coverage, and reviewing infrastructure and contract updates.
The board opened with standard approvals of the agenda and the minutes from the May 5 meeting. A scheduled public hearing was then held regarding the Fiscal Year 2025 budget amendment. No public comments were submitted, and the board approved Resolution 2025-10 to adopt the amendment.
Representatives from Heartland Insurance Risk Pool presented details on coverage for the upcoming policy year. While general rates remained steady, a noted increase in county payroll and changes to reinsurance liability limits affected premiums. The board was informed that Mahaska County’s safety committee compliance and strong claims history may lead to a future dividend. The county was also reminded of a May 31 deadline for updating exposure and expenditure information ahead of the July 1 renewal date.
The Supervisors then discussed maintenance and plans regarding the MARC radio repeater system. County officials questioned the value of maintaining older infrastructure when newer towers have already been installed. It was suggested that the lease on the older tower be reviewed and possibly transferred to another user, such as the school district, depending on interest and feasibility. The issue was tabled for further review.
Regarding public health services, the board approved a Stericycle contract on behalf of HHS to accommodate new state-level administrative changes requiring county-level sign-off.
The board also approved the monthly Sheriff’s Office report and Resolution 2025-11, formally terminating the county’s participation in the 28E agreement with the Mental Health Agency of Southeast Iowa Region. The decision followed the state’s decision to reorganize mental health services into six broader regional units, reducing the number of local agreements necessary.
The Mahaska County Engineer, Andy McGuire, was present for the approval of an amendment to the Secondary Roads Five-Year Program. Due to the early completion of some bridge rehabilitation and resurfacing projects originally scheduled for next year, the county needed to adjust its long-range plan accordingly.
Committee reports highlighted ongoing efforts by the Solid Waste Commission to coordinate with federal and regional agencies on securing a designated hazardous material cleanup site in the event of future disaster scenarios such as tornadoes.
The board concluded the meeting without additional public comment and adjourned.
