Minutes - 4/28/2026

APRIL 28, 2026, EIGHTEENTH MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS  

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Board members present were Carper, Dietrich, Nelson, and Ung, Bittinger II was absent. Staff members present were Karen James, Board Administrative Assistant, Ryan Ericson, Budget and Finance Director, Melissa Thomas, HR Director, Joshua Widman, Assistant County Attorney, and Michelle Skaff, Auditor/Clerk to the Board.     

The regular meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and a Moment of Silence.  

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve the April 28, 2026 agenda. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Dietrich second by Carper to approve the following items by consent:

To approve minutes of the April 21, 2026 meeting. Copy filed.
    
To approve the claims totaling $1,972,782.17. Copy filed.

To receive for signatures an updated depository Resolution removing Bank First’s closed Hornick Branch and adding its two Sioux City branch locations. 

RESOLUTION NAMING DEPOSITORIES
RESOLUTION #14,026

BE IT RESOLVED by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors in Woodbury County, Iowa:  That we do hereby designate the following named banks to be depositories of the Woodbury County funds in amounts not to exceed the amount named opposite each of said designated depositories and Tina Bertrand, Woodbury County Treasurer is hereby authorized to deposit the Woodbury County funds in amounts not to exceed in the aggregate the amounts named for said banks as follows, to wit:
            MAXIMUM DEPOSIT    MAXIMUM DEPOSIT
              In the effect
                     Prior          under the
NAME OF DEPOSITORY    LOCATION          resolution           resolution

U.S. Bank                                 Sioux City, Iowa    $50,000,000    $50,000,000

Security National Bank     Sioux City, Iowa    100,000,000    100,000,000

Wells Fargo Bank        Sioux City, Iowa     50,000,000     50,000,000

PeoplesBank              Sioux City, Iowa       5,000,000       5,000,000

First National Bank    Sioux City, Iowa     50,000,000     50,000,000

Primebank               Sioux City, Iowa     50,000,000     50,000,000

Great Southern Bank             Sioux City, Iowa       5,000,000       5,000,000

First National Bank    Correctionville, Iowa       1,000,000       1,000,000 

Pioneer Bank        Sergeant Bluff, Iowa     10,000,000     10,000,000

Sloan State Bank        Sloan, Iowa       5,000,000       5,000,000

Valley Bank & Trust    Danbury, Iowa       1,500,000       1,500,000

BankFirst         Sioux City, Iowa       5,000,000       5,000,000

First National Bank    Correctionville, Iowa       5,000,000       5,000,000

United Bank of Iowa    Moville, Iowa     10,000,000     10,000,000

United Bank of Iowa    Anthon, Iowa       5,000,000       5,000,000

Liberty National Bank    Sioux City, Iowa     25,000,000     25,000,000

Availa Bank         Sioux City, Iowa     10,000,000     10,000,000

Central Bank             Sioux City, Iowa      10,000,000       10,000,000

Kingsley State Bank      Sergeant Bluff, Iowa             1,000,000               1,000,000

SCBC                    Danbury, Iowa                 5,000,000             $5,000,000

Shelby County State Bank            Danbury, Iowa                 5,000,000             $5,000,000

SO RESOLVED this    28th   day of    April   2026                        

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To lift tax suspension for Bryan UitdeFlesch, parcel #894823127003, 2240 Roosevelt St. Owner deceased. Copy filed.

To set the public hearing for the FY26 Budget Amendment #1 for May 26, 2026 at 4:45 p.m.  Copy filed.

Carried 4-0.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to receive documents from Supervisor Bittinger in his absence.  Carried 4-0. Copy filed. 

A public hearing was held at 4:40 p.m. on the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of Notes to evidence the obligation of the County thereunder. The Chairperson called on anyone wishing to be heard.

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to close the public hearing. Carried 4-0.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution instituting proceedings to take additional action for the issuance of not to exceed $19,500,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes. Carried 4-0.

RESOLUTION #14,027

                             RESOLUTION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE
                             ADDITIONAL ACTION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO
                             EXCEED $19,500,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL
                             LOAN NOTES

WHEREAS, pursuant to notice published as required by law, the Board of Supervisors has held a public meeting and hearing upon the proposal to institute proceedings for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $19,500,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for the essential county purposes, in order to provide funds to pay the costs of aiding in the planning, undertaking, and carrying out of urban renewal projects under the authority of Chapter 403 and the 2026 Amendment to the Grow Woodbury County Urban Renewal Plan including the Southbridge Interchange Project, and has considered the extent of objections received from residents or property owners as to the proposed issuance of Notes; and no petition was filed calling for a referendum thereon. The following action is now considered to be in the best interests of the County and residents thereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA:
Section 1. That this Board does hereby institute proceedings and take additional action for the authorization and issuance in the manner required by law of not to exceed $19,500,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for the foregoing essential county purposes.
Section 2. This Resolution shall serve as a declaration of official intent under Treasury Regulation 1.150-2 and shall be maintained on file as a public record of such intent. It is reasonably expected that the general fund moneys may be advanced from time to time for capital expenditures which are to be paid from the proceeds of the above Notes. The amounts so advanced shall be reimbursed from the proceeds of the Notes not later than eighteen months after the initial payment of the capital expenditures or eighteen months after the property is placed in service. Such advancements shall not exceed the amount authorized in this Resolution unless the same are for preliminary expenditures or unless another declaration of intention is adopted.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 28th day of April, 2026.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

A public hearing was held at 4:45 p.m. on the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of Notes to evidence the obligation of the County thereunder. The Chairperson called on anyone wishing to be heard.

Maria Rundquist addressed the board for clarification of the notification process of the public hearing.

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to close the public hearing. Carried 4-0.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution instituting proceedings to take additional action for the issuance of not to exceed $19,500,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes. Carried 4-0.

RESOLUTION #14,028

                      RESOLUTION INSTITUTING PROCEEDINGS TO TAKE
                      ADDITIONAL ACTION FOR THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO
                      EXCEED $19,500,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION CAPITAL
                      LOAN NOTES
                      
WHEREAS, pursuant to notice published as required by law, the Board of Supervisors has held a public meeting and hearing upon the proposal to institute proceedings for the authorization of a Loan Agreement and the issuance of not to exceed $19,500,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for the essential county purposes, in order to provide funds to pay the costs of capital projects for the construction, reconstruction, improvement, repair, or equipping of bridges, roads, and culverts which assist in economic development through the creation of jobs and wealth including the Southbridge Interchange Project, and has considered the extent of objections received from residents or property owners as to the proposed issuance of Notes; and following action is now considered to be in the best interests of the County and residents thereof.
       
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, STATE OF IOWA:
Section 1. That this Board does hereby institute proceedings and take additional action for the authorization and issuance in the manner required by law of not to exceed $19,500,000 General Obligation Capital Loan Notes, for the foregoing essential county purposes.
Section 2. This Resolution shall serve as a declaration of official intent under Treasury Regulation 1.150-2 and shall be maintained on file as a public record of such intent. It is reasonably expected that the general fund moneys may be advanced from time to time for capital expenditures which are to be paid from the proceeds of the above Notes. The amounts so advanced shall be reimbursed from the proceeds of the Notes not later than eighteen months after the initial payment of the capital expenditures or eighteen months after the property is placed in service. Such advancements shall not exceed the amount authorized in this Resolution unless the same are for preliminary expenditures or unless another declaration of intention is adopted.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 28th day of April, 2026.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

A public hearing was held at 4:50 p.m. on proposed Fiscal year 2027 budget. The Chairperson called on anyone wishing to be heard. 

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to close the public hearing. Carried 4-0.

Treasurer Tina Bertrand and auditor Recorder Michelle Skaff addressed the board regarding the Compensation Board recommendations. 

Maria Rundquist, Sioux City, and Brett Watchorn, Sioux City, addressed the board in opposition of increasing the elected official wages. 

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to receive for signatures a Resolution setting elected officials’ wages with option 2 with the Auditor, Treasurer, and Attorney receiving a 3% increase, the Sheriff receiving a 7% increase, the Board a 1% increase and the Chair of the Board a $7,000 stipend for the year ($3,500 increase).  Carried 3-1, Ung opposed.

RESOLUTION #14,029
SETTING ELECTED OFFICIALS WAGES

WHEREAS, the Woodbury County Compensation Board meets annually to recommend a compensation schedule for elected officials for the fiscal year immediately following, in accordance with Iowa Code Chapters 331.905 and 331.907, and 

WHEREAS, the Woodbury County Compensation Board met on February 12, 2026, and made the following salary recommendations for the following elected officials for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026:

   Elected Official          Current Salary          Proposed Increase              Recommended Salary
  Auditor                               $113,832.25                      4.5%                                   $118,954.70
  County Attorney           $169,146.72                    6.5%                                   $180,141.26
  Recorder                              na                                            na    
  Sheriff                                   $178,110.51                    7.0%                                      $190,578.25
  Supervisors                         $41,967.12                     4.0%                                         $43,645.80
  Chair Stipend                         $3,500.00                  $3,500                                      $7,000
  Treasurer                              $113,830.25                    4.5%                                  $118,952.61

OPTION 1:
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors adopts the salary recommendations for elected officials for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026 as recommended by the Woodbury County Compensation Board.
OPTION 2: (if different than compensation board recommendation)
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors approves the following salary adjustments for the following elected officials for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026:

Elected Official              Approved Salary       Approved Increase      
  Auditor                              $117,247.22                     3.0%    
  County Attorney         $174,221.12                     3.0%    
  Recorder                                  na                                        na        
  Sheriff                                  $190,578.25                    7.0%    
  Supervisors                      $42,386.79                         1.0%
  Chair stipend                   $7,000.00                    $3,500.00
  Treasurer                          $117,245.16                    3.0%

Approved this 28th day of April 2026.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson to approve the 2026 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee, Council 61 Local 3462, MOU regarding Maintenance Technician pay grade. Motion fails for lack of a second. Copy filed.

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to table approval of Building Services step increase to FY27 budget. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Brett Watchorn, Sioux City, addressed the Board in opposition of the salary increase for the HR Director. 

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve a $10,000 salary increase for the Human Resources Director position as of May 1, 2026. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to increase the expense lines within the FY27 budget for the HR Director increase amount of $12,060.27.

Motion by Ung second by Dietrich to approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign a Resolution approval of FY 2026/2027 Budget and Certification of Taxes. Carried 4-0.

APPROVAL OF FY 2026/2027 BUDGET AND CERTIFICATION OF TAXES

RESOLUTION #14,030

WHEREAS, the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors has considered the proposed FY 2026/2027 county budget and certification of taxes, and

WHEREAS, a public hearing concerning the proposed county budget was held on April 28, 2026,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County that the county budget and certificate of taxes for FY 2026/2027 as set forth in the budget summary, is hereby adopted and that the Woodbury County Auditor is directed to file said budget and to establish accounting records in accordance with the attached schedules.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Chairperson and the County Auditor be and are hereby authorized to sign the approved FY 2026/2027 county budget.

Signed and dated this 28th day of April, 2026.
WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed. 

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to deny approval of Action Moving & Storage to assist moving elections equipment for the June Primary and November General Elections. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to approve City of Anthon request for D38 extension of project into the City Limits. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to award contract for 2026 pavement markings. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to approve the purchase of law enforcement computers for the County Conservation Departments officers from gaming in the amount of $35,764. Carried 4-0. Copy filed.

Reports on committee meetings were heard.

Brett Watchhorn, Sioux City addressed the board regarding questions about Gaming Funds.  

Brian Stehr, Conservation Deputy Director, addressed the board regarding County Parks opening dates. 
    
Board concerns were heard.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until May 5, 2026.

Meeting sign in sheet. Copy filed.