The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Friday) scaled back their involvement in funding a Wellness Coordinator for the County, in so far as being involved in a 28-E agreement. The Board discussed the County’s role in funding the position, and came to the conclusion their $6,000 share of funding would come from the Local Option Sales Tax proceeds Cass County receives. The County does not want to be the employer for whomever is selected for the role.

Board members Mark Wedemeyer, Steve Green and Frank Waters were all opposed to the 28-E agreement between the County, Cass County ISU Extension, the Nishna Valley YMCA and Cass County Memorial Hospital. Waters and Wedemeyer explained why he they were opposed to the proposal. Waters said he’s against any kind of 28-E and partnership. He said also, he’s not against funding the position. Wedemeyer said the County is willing fork over $6,000 from LOST, but not holding any responsibility for a Wellness Coordinator.

The County is also willing to house the Wellness Coordinator office at the Courthouse Annex, for a fee of One-dollar per year. The other entities would also be expected to provide $6,000 for their share of the expense/salary. The County already has a Wellness Program, as does the YMCA, CCMH and Extension. Kate Olson, Cass County Extension Director, said the Wellness Coordinator would serve all the communities in the County, and they would be expected to actively seek out other forms of funds to cover extra expenses above and beyond what is provided by the entity partners. No official decision on funding the position will come from the County until after the new Board of Supervisors are in-place in January, and the Board begins work on he budget. In other business, the Cass County Supervisors approved a Resolution of Support for the Home Base Iowa Initiative. Board Secretary/Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman read from the Resolution before it was approved.

The Board also approved an Abatement of Taxes for a parcel owned by the City of Anita, and acceptance of work done by Manatt’s, Inc. on the Glacier-to-Buck Creek to Echo Road paving project.