(Harlan, Iowa) – The Shelby County Board of Supervisors met in a regular session Tuesday morning. According to the meeting minutes provided by Auditor/Board Secretary Mark Maxwell, Supervisor Kenkel reported that an injunction has been filed to stop Shelby County from enforcing its pipeline ordinance until next January. Tony Buman, Shelby County Assessor, reported to the Supervisors that assessment notices have been sent out to Commercial and Industrial owners in Shelby County. The median increase was around 23% for commercial and industrial properties. The balance of the notices will be sent out as the process in his office continues.

Todd Valline told of events in his organization, the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry. His office has been notified that the Shelby County Food Pantry is running very low on food and any food donated would be very much appreciated. Brandon Burmeister, Shelby County Engineer, was present to give his report on his department and current and future projects. Spot rock hauling and blading are taking place as conditions allow.

Auditor Maxwell then presented a Transfer Authorization for the Supervisors to discuss and consider for approval. The Resolution calls for the transfer of monies from the General Funds and from the Rural Basic Fund as described. The resolution was passed as presented. The Supervisors then approved setting March 21st at 9-a.m. as the date and time of a public hearing regarding the consideration and possible levy options and cost funding recommendations for an EMS Agency in Shelby County.

The Supervisors were then presented with a maximum tax levy notifications to be published with the hearing to be held on April 4th, 2023, at 9:00 AM in the Supervisors room at the Courthouse. Auditor Maxwell explains the reasons for the maximum levy increase given on the notice are inflation, build reserves over years not all at one time. Reserves for capital improvements Courthouse and other buildings as well as other unforeseen expenses.

Two representatives from the Iowa County IT professionals organization were present to give a brief overview of the recent Audit of Shelby County Conducted by their organization. Two representatives from the organization were present to explain the 24 hour monitoring of the Shelby County IT environment. The Supervisors thanked the representatives for the citizens of Shelby County for being able to conduct the Audit. Taryn Knapp, Shelby County IT Coordinator gave a report of current IT and Support contracts and Shelby County IT Committee recommendations. A motion was made and passed to terminate all contracts with the Counties current vendor on June 30th, 2023.

Knapp also said the IT Committee recommended hiring a full time IT person for Shelby County. The IT audit revealed shortcomings that may be overcome with an employee versus a hired service. The Board approved starting the hiring process. They then entered a closed session with regard to IT Security Discussion, but took no action during that session, and the meeting was adjourned.