(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors heard a presentation Tuesday morning (Today) from Cass County Extension Director Kate Olsen and Beth Olsen, Director of Public Health, with regard to the use of ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act/Covid Relief) funds, for a Wellness Coordinator position. The funds would used to expand the current hours per week that person works, from 20-to-40. Kate Olsen said the Wellness Coordinator serves to address the local public health priorities and assist in long-term pandemic relief efforts. Kate explained some of the tasks a Wellness Coordinator is responsible for.

She said they had been exploring the possibility of expanding the position prior to the departure of the previous Wellness Coordinator.

She said the person they’re looking for as a Wellness Coordinator doesn’t necessarily need to be someone who has public health service or providing skills. It’s someone who connects appropriate persons or organizations and coordinates their involvement in the wellness process.

Kate Olsen said they feel there’s enough work for the person selected to keep them busy at least a couple of years. They would work out of the Cass County Extension Office. The request was taken under consideration. It will be included as an action item for the Board at their next meeting on April 4th.

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors approved an updated Public Safety Commission Articles of Agreement between the City of Atlantic and Cass County, for the Dispatch Center. Cass County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kennon said the agreement “Is a bargain for everybody involved.” It makes it “abundantly clear,” that this concerns the consolidation of communications in the County. It does not affect Public Safety or Law Enforcement. It does pave the road for future changes to the bylaws.

The Board also passed a Resolution regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Supervisors and Zion Recovery Services, with regard to an Opiod Settlement Assignment Agreement. Board Chair Steve Baier said they began working last August to determine what the funds must be used for, and Zion fit the bill. Baier read from the Resolution…

The Board then received a report from Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken.