Mahaska County Supervisors Cover Infrastructure, Conservation, and Community Improvements

The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors addressed a range of projects and agreements during their recent meeting, moving forward on road improvements, park upgrades, and building maintenance initiatives.

Supervisors approved the claims for June, totaling more than $2.29 million. Conservation updates highlighted steady progress on the county’s playscape construction project, which experienced minor delays due to weather and contractor health issues but remains on track for completion later this year. Additional grant funds secured for the project will help cover future maintenance and improvements without impacting taxpayers.

County conservation staff also reported strong tourism engagement. Promotional videos reached viewers nationwide, contributing to steady campground use and higher-than-average revenues compared to neighboring counties. New wayfinding signs and entrance markers are planned to refresh park visibility, funded through state partnerships.

On the public infrastructure front, the board reviewed and supported a Highway Safety Improvement Program funding agreement for work on County Road G29, covering safety upgrades like paved shoulders and rumble strips. This project will be partially funded by a $400,000 federal grant, with construction targeted for fiscal year 2027.

Plans were also finalized for the replacement of the T67 bridge over Cedar Creek south of Cedar. The bridge project is scheduled for contract letting in October 2025, with construction anticipated the following season. Supervisors and engineers discussed the challenges of detour routes and balancing project timelines with cost considerations.

Additionally, the board received an update on the MODES corridor project. Consultants requested an extension to allow for additional archaeological and architectural investigations, which are necessary to comply with federal environmental and historic preservation requirements. No additional funds are expected to be needed for this work.

Other actions included discussions about technology and facility agreements. The board reviewed a new rental agreement with the Oskaloosa Law Center and considered contract language related to shared server use and network management. They also approved a contract with Solutions for county IT services and addressed the dissolution of a prior 28E agreement to finalize funding distributions.

The board approved a letter of support for a grant application to the Walter L. McQuiston Trust, aimed at improving courthouse accessibility with a new handicap door button at the main entrance. They also handled routine business including approval of the Recorder’s quarterly and fiscal year reports, a retail native wine license for a local winery, and payment of an annual radio system upgrade statement.

Several topics generated discussion, including ongoing issues with livestock repeatedly escaping enclosures along Galeston Avenue. County staff and legal counsel reviewed possible remedies and statutory responsibilities, but the board noted that resolution would likely require cooperation from neighboring landowners and township trustees.

The meeting closed with an update on the Marc Amateur Radio Club and a reminder about ongoing infrastructure work that may temporarily affect local roads.