(Harlan, Iowa) – Shelby County Auditor Mark Maxwell reports the Shelby County Board of Supervisors met in a regular session Tuesday morning, Dec. 19, 2023. During their session, Ryan Bervin from Assured Partners Insurance, provider for Shelby County Employee Insurance program, was present to give a yearly update concerning Insurance rates for fiscal year 2025 and monies allotted to the Shelby County Self Insurance Fund. Bervin said there is a new accident policy available to all employees. Insurance claims have been steady, wellness participation and other factors have translated into favorable policy renewal costs.

Wendy Mueller of West Central Development was present to give the annual report to the Supervisors her organization requested $3500.00 for fiscal year 2025.

Todd Valline, Director of the Shelby County Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted just a few of the current happenings and projects his organization is involved in. This week thru Friday the promotion at participating businesses earns a raffle ticket for a drawing to give out prizes to individuals for every $25 in purchases. Valline also served notice that the Ballpark to Ballpark Trail is accepting donations and Panama Transfer has pledged up to a $25,000 matching donation.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was presented to the Supervisors for consideration. The MOU details the background and duties concerning a partnership with the Harlan Fire Department abilities to support Shelby County EMS with manpower in situations calling for assistance. Parkhurst made a motion to permit the chairperson to sign the document, Schaben seconded the motion, the motion passed.

The Board passed a Resolution amending the Shelby County Handbook, by adding an EMS Pay Scale. The resolution states that Shelby County voters passed a public measure establishing a 75-cents per thousand dollars of taxable valuation levy for the establishment of a County operated Emergency Medical Services Department. The establishment and organization of the department was abruptly and unexpectedly placed on Shelby County to be completed by December 1st and the employment wage scales had not been determined as of December 1st. The following employees wage scale will be placed as an addendum to the County Employee handbook.

Shelby County Engineer, Brandon Burmeister, gave an update on current and upcoming projects in his department. Burmeister also asked for approval to change the wording in the County Utility permit applications. Parkhurst made a motion to approve the changes, Schaben seconded the motion. The motion was approved. The Supervisors then considered the promotion of Chris Fredericksen, who has been Assistant Engineer for over six years to County Engineer effective 01-22-2024. Parkhurst motioned to permit the chairperson to sign the contract, Schaben seconded the motion, the motion passed.

The 28E agreement between the City of Harlan and Shelby County has found cause to be amended. The payments for the patrol will be reduced to the County by $20,000.00. The $20,000 will be paid directly to the Sheriff and Deputies by the City of Harlan that are involved with the administration of the amendment provisions. Shelby County may not pay the Sheriff an amount greater than the amount on the County budget, using Shelby County funds. This amendment will allow administrative payments from the City of Harlan to the Sheriff and Deputies involved in administrative work concerning the 28E agreement. Schaben made a motion to approve the addendum, Parkhurst seconded the motion. The motion passed with ayes by Kenkel, Schaben and Parkhurst.

Auditor Mark Maxwell reports a public hearing was held Dec. 19th to gather public information and comments made about the proposed Ordinance 2023-10. The ordinance, as passed, will allow Shelby County to receive the 1% income taxes approved by voters and collected by the Iowa Department of Revenue to be returned to Shelby County to be used for EMS expenditures. A second public hearing was held with regard to an interfund loan which may be needed to fund Shelby County EMS for beginning cash flow purposes.

The resolution directs that $125,000 be advanced to the Emergency services Fund from the Self Insurance Fund, in order to pay startup costs and to ease the initial cash flow burdens on the EMS department. The advance shall be treated as a loan (the “Loan”) to the EMS Fund and shall be repaid to the Self Insurance Fund out of property tax revenues and/or EMS Department revenues. Payments on the Loan are subject to the Board of Supervisors determination that there are funds available for such purpose which have been allocated to or accrued in the EMS Fund. Once appropriated, payments may be made on the Loan each year on October 1st. Total Balance to be paid by April 15th 2, 2026

The Supervisors then considered allowing the Chairperson to sign a lease agreement for Heartland Family Services for office space at the Annex Building. This is a renewal of a lease from calendar years 2022 and 2023 and will extend the lease for two more years if approved by the Shelby County Supervisors and signed by Heartland Family Services. The motion was approved unanimously.

The annual Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) wellness participation document was presented for consideration of approval. The agreement – which was approved  – allows for employee and County participation in ISAC sponsored wellness incentives.  The Board accepted a recommendation by the Shelby County Veterans Commission appoint Tom Kallman to the Veterans Commission Board.

In other business, a steel door at the Annex has deteriorated and rusted and bids have been received. The low bid was received from Leinen Construction. The Auditor asked for the Supervisors permission to sign the low bid and agreement. The Board approved the bid as presented.