(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Board of Supervisors in Cass County have approved a request for funding through the County’s allotment of ARPA funds (for COVID relief) received from the government, for the purchase of exercise equipment at the Fitness Center, in Cumberland. The request in the amount of $4,919 was granted after all the proper paperwork was filed by the City and Wellness Center representative Deb Brown.

Brown appeared before the Board in July to make the initial request for the Cumberland Fitness Center, which is run by volunteers and is available at no cost to users. At that time, she said they 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.

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors discussed selling County-Owned Farmland by the former County Home (Willow Heights), on the southwest side of Atlantic. The Board was in favor of selling the land and using proceeds from the sale for housing development or other possible economic development purposes within the County.

Supervisor Steve Green on the history of the land and building.

Supervisor John Hartkopf said “The public purpose is gone for maintaining it.” Board Chair Steve Baier said once the Board issues a “Notice of intent” to sell the land, there are a number of steps before any sale can occur.

During their meeting today (Tuesday), the Board unanimously approved issuing the Notice. Public Hearings on the matter are expected to take place within the next few weeks,

In other business, Steve Baier said Nancy McCunn has agreed to serve as the Massena Township Trustee, but no formal action was taken to approve her appointment at this time.