(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, during their meeting today (Tuesday), set Oct. 24th, 2023, as the date for a Public Hearing on Budget Amendments for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. The hearing will occur during the Board’s regularly scheduled session. Board Chair Steve Baier and Supervisor Steve Green explained the reason for the amendments.

Much of the changes pertain to spending authority, and where those dollars will be going. The Supervisors discussed capital project priorities and a schedule to develop a CIP (Capital Improvement Plan). Steve Baier said there have been discussions among the Board, and individual committees have met to mull over what should be done. Supervisor Steve Green said the County began setting aside money they knew would be needed for capital projects five-or six-years ago, but then the pandemic threw a wrench in plans, with regard to the supply chain and the cost of materials needed to begin those projects. He said “Hopefully they’re going to come down a little bit. At least materials-wise.”

He said a schedule to shoot for and take care of some of the issues, should be written down for the current Board or future Boards to tackle. Supervisor Mark O’Brien said some talks with regard to priorities for Secondary Roads Department needs have begun, but that the scope needs to be narrowed down a bit more, especially as it pertains to the conditions of the County Maintenance Sheds. There are also issues with the courthouse and other county property that need to be addressed. The Board hopes to have the focus of the CIP narrowed down to “need,” not “want,” by October 31st, along with cost estimates, if possible. Discussions on the FY-2024-25 Budget are expected to begin in early November.

In other business, Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken updated the Supervisors on three bridge projects.

Board Chair Steve Baier added that DOT crews are making progress on the Highway 92 bridge. Trent Wolken also reported on the Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities.