Tama County Administration Building, 104 W State St., Toledo, Iowa. -- File photo

TOLEDO – As the Monday morning sun rose in the sky, it brought with it two things, a brand new week and another Tama County Supervisors meeting. This week’s meeting brought a resolution to the public comment ordinance debate of the last several weeks.

Supervisor Dan Anderson reported on how the other counties in the Heartland Risk Pool felt about the ordinance after he had attended a Heartland Risk Pool meeting last week. Anderson said that everyone seemed positive about the ordinance, as well as the fact that Hardin County has a similar ordinance in effect, that they say is working out.

Supervisor Faircloth read out a statement from a former County Supervisor and Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) employee Mike Wentzien that said, “It is probably best to adopt the meeting ordinance to give direction for future board members. It is difficult to read and fully understand the Code of Iowa, which this ordinance combines and places in print the rules and regulations for the Tama County Board of Supervisors to follow.”

Before voting on the ordinance, Supervisor Curt Hilmer said he thought it was a great guide but didn’t think it needed to be an ordinance. Hilmer ultimately ended up voting against the proposed ordinance, while Faircloth and Anderson voted for it. Which means the ordinance passed, 2-1.

The first public hearing to make EMS an essential service was held, and the resolution was approved.

A FY24 budget amendment hearing was held, as well, with a total of $1,673,979 in changes that were approved. Sarah Beyer was approved to the Tama Library Board of Trustees, replacing Dee Shope.

Money from the Vienna TIF fund was transferred to the Debt Service Fund to pay a bond.

Tama County Engineer Ben Daleske had started the meeting, like usual, this time with some discussion about the US 63 closure. He went on to report that the guys are working on the chlorides, while Jerico and others will start applying soon.

Iowa Bridge and Culvert is working on a box culvert on 220th this week. The Tama Bridge crew is working on the new fuel pad at the new shop. The mowers are starting this week. Daleske talked more with Vienna about the road-hauling agreement, it won’t be until mid-June that the wind turbine pieces will be hauled in.

Claims totaling $943,406.13 were approved.