(Atlantic,Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, Tuesday, received a request for funding from the County’s share of ARPA monies, for the Cumberland Youth Program. Debra Brown said a fitness program that began in 2018, quickly expanded to establishing a facility where youth and adults could exercise and get together with peers. That’s the Cumberland Fitness Center, which is run by volunteers and is available at no cost to users. They were gifted the building which they had paid rent for, last week.

Brown said the would like to purchase a Nu-Way recumbent cross-trainer-type piece of exercise equipment, which works the arms and legs. They typically retail anywhere from $2,500 to as much as $6,000 or more, depending on the style of the machine and accessories. The machine the Fitness Center would like, is about $4,900. The Board didn’t make a commitment of ARPA Funds, since the second-half payment to the County has not-yet been received yet. The Board suggested the City of Cumberland be on-board first, in the form of an official request for funds and other processes. Brown said they hope to the piece of equipment in-place by September.

The Supervisors passed a motion to allow up to $40,000, for the repair of the Hitchcock House roof. The Reverend George B. Hitchcock House was restored, and tours began in 1992. The House was used as part of the Underground Railroad for fugitive slaves looking to make their way to freedom in the mid-19th Century. Hitchcock House Board Member Mark Clark said the cedar shingle roof was last replaced nearly 40-years ago, and it is showing its age.

Hitchcock House Board Chair Sharon Guffey-Lewis said they had received three bids for the project, with the lowest “Estimated bid” of $27,700 coming from Rigid Edge. The term “estimated bid” was used by the contractors who submitted them, because they can’t predict what the cost will be to purchase shingles, when it comes time to order them. In voting to approve the “up to” cost of the project, the Supervisors noted the significance of the Hitchcock House, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

In other business, the Cass County Board of Supervisors approved Stacie Linfor as a new, Treasurer’s Office employee. Last week, they approved the position’s wage. Linfor currently works for KJAN as Traffic Director/Receptionist & Sales Professional. The Board also, after lengthy discussion with Treasurer Tracey J. Marshall, which was sometimes heated, voted to approve a wage increase to 75% of the top office pay, for three hourly employees, and their status as Deputies.

Stacie Mueller, Deputy County Treasurer, wanted to clarify that even though it’s been publicized the Office is “Temporarily closed to the Public for Staff Training,” the Treasurer’s Office is capable of helping people if they walk-in or call, but Mueller and Marshall both recommended the public utilize online and/or other Counties for certain services, including Driver’s Licensing and Registration renewals.

The Cass County website says: “If you need to pay property Taxes, Please call 712-243-5503 and someone can assist you.*24 hr services for Driver’s License renewals can be made online at www.iowadot.gov*Property Taxes and Motor Vehicle Renewals: The best way is by mail or online www.iowatreasurers.org* A Bill of Sale is required for all Motor Vehicles purchases. We will process your payments as they come in. Please provide a telephone number in the event we need to contact you. Please use the yellow drop box outside – envelopes are in the side box.”