(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors met in a regular session Tuesday morning. In his meeting minutes, Auditor/Board Secretary Mark Maxwell says he explained to the Boardthat a fiscal sponsorship is needed for two grants. One is from the Shelby County Conservation Board. The other is for the Sheriffs Department. The Board approved the application process.  The Shelby County Supervisors also approved publication of Shelby County employee wages.

Brandon Burmeister, Shelby County Engineer was present to give his report on his department and current and future projects. Todd Valline was asked to give an update of the Shelby County Commerce and Industry, Valline noted that last Fridays Chamber awards dinner was well attended and a great success.

Neil Gross, Shelby County Sheriff was asked to give an update for his department. The Shelby County Sheriffs Department has been in talks with the City of Harlan regarding an agreement that will share Shelby County and the City of Harlan policing duties. A public hearing will be held on March 9th at 6:00 P.M. at the CJ Therkildsen Center.

The Board moved into the Department Head meeting, following a brief recess. Chairperson Kenkel Chairman Kenkel spoke to Department heads of the importance of all Shelby County Departments staying within their budgets. Rules were specific as to what is asked and expected of each department. It was noted “Budgets are tight, due to past deficit spending, mainly unfunded budget amendments and transfers, but with everyone’s cooperation in reducing expenses and several departments giving up reserves in order to build healthy fund balances, we will meet our budget goals for 22/23. Cuts in funding are being made in several departments for the upcoming 2024 budget year, helping us meet our target fund balances.”

Mark Maxwell will be resigning as Budget Director at the end of this years budget process, board will look to fill the position after July, 1st. The Board appreciates everyone’s cooperation and professionalism as the County moves through the budget process and the value each departments services provide to Shelby County. Chairman Kenkel also spoke of legislation that may cap future growth of County budgets being proposed at the Capital in Des Moines. The hard cap will affect all County Departments as inflation continues to outgrow budgets and will continue to be an issue with Counties and Residents.