The Board of Supervisors of Shelby County, Iowa, met Tuesday morning (Dec. 20, 2022), in Harlan. According to the minutes provided by Auditor Mark Maxwell, the Board opened bidding for an auction for the cash rent of the Shelby County Solid Waste Farm ground. Board Chair Steve Kenkel opened the bidding at $250/acre. The bidders present began bidding, with the final bid at $ 260.00 /acre which was submitted by Brandon Weis. The bid was for the 108 acres of farm ground at the solid waste site, for the 2023 crop season. The successful bidder will sign the agreement to include payment of one fourth of the lime plus fall fertilizer costs. The agreement will be placed in front of the Solid Waste Board for their approval.

Bidding in an auction was also held for the cash rent of the County Farm ground. Again, Kenkel opened the bidding at $250/ acre. Maxwell said there were at least two bidders present with the final bid at $360.00/acre which was submitted by Brandon Weis, for the 146 acres of farm ground at the County Farm site and The Board asked the Auditor to collect funds amounting to 5% of the total rent plus include payment of one fourth of the lime plus fall fertilizer costs.

In other business:

• Brent Scheve from The Agency was present to update the Supervisors with Insurance policies for 2023. The increase in premiums for this Decembers payment was noted to be an unbudgeted increase. The industry as a whole is seeing rising rates.
• Rod Baxter representing the Compensation Board presented the recommendations of the Compensation Board regarding salaries for elected officials. This year the Compensation Board recommends a 7.5% increase for elected officials excepting the Sheriff who’s salary is guided by Iowa code. The Shelby County Sheriffs salary was recommended to be increased by 16%. No further action was taken.
• Shelby County Auditor, Mark Maxwell, notified the Supervisors that a recent ICAP inspection and insurance review were completed at the Courthouse. Recommendations that were suggested were a distracted driving policy, proof of insurance for all private vehicles used on County time as well as fire extinguisher and emergency exit lighting inspections.

The Supervisors then considered permitting official Shelby County signatures on a multi county agreement/waiver and consent to enter into an agreement with other counties for joint representation and Common interests. A motion to that effect passed unanimously. The Supervisors were presented with the yearly ISAC Wellness agreement allowing Shelby County health insurance covered employees to participate and earn cash awards for participation in the program. That motion also passed unanimously.

The Board of Supervisors in Shelby County set January 10th at 9:00 AM, as the date and time for a public hearing regarding the consideration and possible passage of a resolution officially establishing an EMS (emergency medical services) Advisory Council in Shelby County and charging this Council with duties and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.  A hearing date was considered, for the first reading of Ordinance 2023-1, an ordinance for engaging in the sale of stream mitigation credits in accordance with Iowa Code Chapter 23A.  The Board ultimately voted on holding the hearing during their Jan. 10, 2023 meeting, beginning at 9-a.m.