The Cass County Board of Supervisors are expected to act during their meeting next Wednesday morning (Sept. 7th), on granting permission for a Bible Reading Marathon to take place on the courthouse block grounds, Sept. 19th through the 25th. The action to be taken during their meeting that begins at 8:30-a.m., is with regard to a proclamation made by Governor Terry Branstad on April 26th, that encouraged all Iowans to participate in the historic 99 county marathon, from  June 30th through July 3rd. Branstad also encouraged “Individuals and families in Iowa to read through the Bible on a daily basis each year until the Lord comes.”

The proclamation as signed by the Gov. April 26 2016

The American Civil Liberties Union and the Freedom from Religion Foundation raised constitutional concerns over the proclamation, arguing the government should be “neutral” toward religion. The “First Liberty Institute” has said it will defend Branstad if he is sued over the matter.

In other business, the Board of Supervisors will act on a resolution abating the taxes on parcels of land owned by the City of Atlantic, per Iowa Code.