(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors met in a regular session at 9:00 A.M. Tuesday, in Harlan.  According to the meeting minutes provided by Auditor Mark Maxwell, Roger Bissen of the EMS Advisory Council presented funding recommendations as determined by the Advisory Council. A 75 cent per thousand dollar valuation and a 1% state income surtax was proposed as necessary to fund the EMS operation in Shelby County. A public hearing was held on a declaration by the Supervisors that EMS is an essential service and funding options presented.

Alex Londo, Shelby County EMA Coordinator noted that information is on the County website including a frequently asked questions section about this issue. Londo said the countywide ambulance service will require tax dollars to operate and that the long time ambulance business owners are retiring. Local volunteers will still be available, but EMT/EMS certified volunteer numbers are dropping. There are many regulations controlling this type of business or operation. Todd Valline of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce also spoke and echoed Londos sentiments and added that the medical facilities offered by Shelby County need ambulance service for county residents. It is very important for Shelby County to have this service.

Having heard or received any other comments, the Board approved publicizing public hearings notice at least 60 days before the hearing dates of Thursday May 25th 2023, Tuesday June 6th 2023 and Tuesday June 13th 2023 at 10:00-a.m. each of the days, for public input on the Declaration of Emergency Medical Services as an essential service and the funding of the service.

Chris Nelson of Gronewald Bell and Kyhnn presented the independent audit of Shelby County to the Supervisors. Although Shelby County is in a good position overall financially, some funds generally used for payment of claims against Shelby County have lower than normal resources going forward. It was noted that three service areas were overbudget and that three departments went over budget in fiscal year 2022. Auditor Maxwell said his lack of oversight was the main cause of the unamended $21,779.57 spending in fiscal year 2022. The audit is a snapshot of the financial condition of Shelby County on June 30th, 2022. Parkhurst made a motion to accept the Audit report and Schaben seconded the motion, the motion passed.

Shelby County Roads Superintendent and County Engineer, Brandon Burmeister, presented the 5-year plan for fiscal years 2023-2028 and the currently planned projects. All voted in favor of the proposed 5-year plan. After a short recess to allow County Department Heads to gather and speak with regard to their respective budgets, the Board heard from Brandon Burmeister, who presented the secondary roads foremen wage scale for fiscal year 2024. The wage scale was approved unanimously.

Nick Preston, Shelby County Conservation Director, was present to voice concerns over his FY 23 budget. Using ARPA funds for tourism was discussed to pay for a project and cancelling another also using the funds for tourism. Kyle Lindberg, Shelby County Jail Administrator, voiced his concerns about not being able to run expense reports at a time convenient to his department. Auditor Mark Maxwell assured the Supervisors that this would not be an issue going forward and that the reports are sent out at least monthly.

A draft of the final 2024 budget was shared during the meeting, for the Supervisors to discuss. Current budget conditions were discussed and after discussion, Supervisor Charles Parkhurst made a motion that no departments will be allowed to go over their budget in fiscal year 2024, and if they do that amount will be deducted from their 2025 budget. Supervisor Bryce Schaben seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.