Minutes - 6/16/2026

JUNE 16, 2026, TWENTY FIFTH MEETING OF THE WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS  

The Board of Supervisors met on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Board members present were Nelson, Dietrich, Bittinger II, Ung and Carper. Staff members present were Karen James, Board Administrative Assistant, Joshua Widman, Assistant County Attorney, and Michelle Skaff, Auditor/Clerk to the Board. 

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to go into joint closed session with LEC Authority per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1) (c). Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to go out of joint closed session with LEC Authority per Iowa Code Section 21.5(1) (c). Carried 5-0 on roll-call vote.

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 June 16, 2026, agenda. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve the following items by consent.

To approve minutes of the June 9, 2026 meeting. Copy filed.
    
To approve the claims totaling $353,598.40. Copy filed.    

To approve lifting tax suspensions for petitioners who failed to re-certify their income or income does not quality for continued tax suspension. Copy filed. 

To receive for signatures a Resolution thanking and commending Sydney Engle for her years of service with Woodbury County.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #14,053
A RESOLUTION THANKING AND COMMENDING
SYDNEY ENGLE
FOR HER SERVICE TO WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Sydney Engle has capably served Woodbury County as an employee of the Woodbury County Attorney s Office for 31 years from October 23, 1995 to July 17, 2026.

WHEREAS, the service given by Sydney Engle as a Woodbury County employee, has been characterized by her dedication to the best interests of the citizens of Woodbury County; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA that the undersigned members of this Board thanks and commends Sydney Engle for her years of service to Woodbury County; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the wish of all those signing below that the future hold only the best for this very deserving person, Sydney Engle

BE IT SO RESOLVED this 16th day of June, 2026.

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To receive for signatures a Resolution thanking and commending Brent Eickholt for his years of service with Woodbury County.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
RESOLUTION #14,054
A RESOLUTION THANKING AND COMMENDING
BRENT EICKHOLT
FOR HIS SERVICE TO WOODBURY COUNTY

WHEREAS, Brent Eickholt has capably served Woodbury County as an employee of the Woodbury County Sheriff s Office for 23 years from April 30, 2003 to July 31, 2026.

WHEREAS, the service given by Brent Eickholt as a Woodbury County employee, has been characterized by his dedication to the best interests of the citizens of Woodbury County; and

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA that the undersigned members of this Board thanks and commends Brent Eickholt for his years of service to Woodbury County; and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it is the wish of all those signing below that the future hold only the best for this very deserving person, Brent Eickholt

BE IT SO RESOLVED this 16th day of June, 2026.

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

To receive the appointment of Jebediah Hibbs, for the office of Board of Director, Sioux City Community School District, to fill the vacancy left when Lance Ehmcke resigned. Copy filed.

To approve the appointment of Cassie Foreman, Clerk III, County Sheriff Dept., effective 06-17-2026, $24.95/hour. Job Vacancy Posted on 4/8/26. Entry Level Salary $24.95/hr.; the appointment of Eric McGill, Summer Laborer, Secondary Roads Dept., effective 06-17-2026, $17.00/hour. Job Vacancy Posted on 2/25/26. Entry Level Salary $18.00. Not to Exceed 120 days.; the separation of Collin Dunnington, Summer Laborer, Secondary Roads Dept., effective 06-19-2026. End of Temp Appointment.; the reclassification of Kyle Gates, Assistant to the County Engineer, Secondary Roads Dept., effective 06-22-2026, $4,432.31/bi-weekly, 6%=$254.43/bi-weekly. Per Wage Plan Matrix   3 Year Increase. COLA Included. Anniversary Date: 6/26/26.; the reclassification of Timothy McCormick, District Foreman, Secondary Roads Dept., effective 06-22-2026, $3,556.11/bi-weekly, 5%=$173.51/bi-weekly. Per Wage Plan Matrix   6 Year Increase. COLA Included. Anniversary Date: 6/26/26.; the reclassification of Tina Guevara, Senior Clerk, County Treasurer Dept., effective 6-22-2026, $23.61/hour, 4%=$0.87/hr. Per AFSCME Courthouse   Move to Step 3. Anniversary Date: 7/1/26.; the reclassification of Scott Griffith, Clerk III, County Treasurer Dept., effective 06-22-2026, $25.81/hour, 3%=$0.86/hr. Per AFSCME Courthouse   Move to Step 3. Anniversary Date: 7/1/26.; the reclassification of Adair Perez-Ariza, Clerk III, County Treasurer Dept., effective 06-22-2026, $25.81/hour, 3%=$0.86/hr. Per AFSCME Courthouse   Move to Step 3. Anniversary Date: 7/1/26.; and the separation of Susie Ahlquist, Clerk III, County Treasurer Dept., effective 07-31-2026. Retired. Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the Authorization to initiate the hiring process for Senior Clerk (4), Auditor-Recorder Dept.  AFSCME Courthouse: $22.43-$28.28/hr.; and for Clerk III, Treasurer Dept. AFSCME Courthouse: $24.73-$30.47/hr. Copy filed.

To approve and authorize the Chairperson to sign the request to Deauthorize County Position for Clerk II (-4.0 FTE), Auditor-Recorder Dept. Copy filed.

Carried 5-0.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to approve an Appropriation Resolution for FY 2027. Carried 5-0.

WOODBURY COUNTY, IOWA
APPROPRIATION RESOLUTION
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027
RESOLUTION #14,055

WHEREAS, it is desired to make appropriations for each different officer or department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, in accordance with section 331.434, subsection 6, Code of Iowa,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

Section 1. The following amounts are hereby appropriated from the resources of the county to the department or office listed:

 Dept #    Dept Name    $ Amount 
01
BOS
26,721,808
02
Auditor
435,344
03
Treasurer
2,144,418
04
Attorney
4,333,862
05
Sheriff
22,603,185
07
Auditor Record
871,929
12
Econ Development
197,510
16
Building Services
4,321,113
17
Juvenile Detention
2,368,419
20
County Engineer
15,922,039
21
Veterans Affairs
365,893
22
Conservation
3,094,314
24
Weed Commission
113,349
28
Medical Examiner
422,500
30
Clerk of Courts
361,000
31
District Court
1,250
32
Dept of Human Services
108,000
33
County Library
337,265
36
Ambulance
782,433
40
Elections
844,209
41
Emergency Services
867,151
50
HR
544,739
51
General Services
125,000
52
WCICC
2,292,042
60
Mental Health
145,518
96
State of Iowa
    75,000 

  90,399,290 
Section 2. Subject to the provisions of other county procedures and regulations, and applicable state law, the appropriations authorized under Section 1 shall constitute authorization for the department or officer listed to make expenditures
or incur obligations, effective July 1, 2026

Section 3. In accordance with Section 331.434, Code of Iowa, no department or officer shall expend or contract to expend any money or incur any liability, or enter into any contract which by its terms involves the expenditure of money for any purpose in excess of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the resolution.

Section 4. If at any time during the 2026-2027 budget year, a department or office approaches a spending level challenging its appropriation level, the board shall be informed and appropriate action be recommended. This may include a possible budget amendment per 331.435.

Section 5. All appropriations authorized pursuant to this resolution lapse at the close of business June 30, 2027.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County on June 16, 2026 and certified as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the General Supplemental to the General Basic Fund in the amount of $7,423,792. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,056

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from the General Supplemental to the General Basic Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to fund the appropriations for the matching FICA, IPERS, Health Insurance, Life Insurance and LTD costs expended from the General Basic Fund.
Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows: 
  
The total maximum transfers from the General Supplemental Fund to the General Basic
Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $7,423,792

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026 the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the Rural Basic Services Fund to the County Library Fund in the amount of $179,057. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,057

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from the Rural Basic Services Fund to the County Library Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to move the taxes, levied on the township valuations, to the County Library Fund to pay their share of the expenses of the County Library.

Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

The total maximum transfers from the Rural Basic Services Fund to the County Library Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $ 179,057.

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026, the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the Rural Basic Services Fund to the Secondary Roads Fund in the amount of $1,800,000. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,058

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from the Rural Basic Services Fund to the Secondary Roads Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to move the taxes, levied on the township valuations, to the Secondary Roads Fund to pay their share of the expenses of the Secondary Roads Fund.

Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

The total maximum transfers from the Rural Basic Services Fund to the Secondary Roads Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $ 1,800,000.

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026, the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the Tax Increment Fund to the Debt Service Fund in the amount of $787,850. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,059

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from the Tax Increment Fund to the Debt Service Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to move Tax Increment Fund revenues to the Debt Service Fund to pay FY 2026 principal and interest for the 2017 Tax Increment G.O.

Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

The total maximum transfers from the Tax Increment Fund to the Debt Service Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $ 787,850.

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026, the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the Conservation Reserve Fund to the General Basic Fund in the amount of $130,800. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,060

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from Conservation Reserve Fund to the General Basic Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to move Conservation Reserve Fund revenues to the General Basic Fund to reimburse the Browns Lake Project.

Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

The total maximum transfers from the Conservation Reserve Fund to the General Basic Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $ 130,800.

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026, the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the Gaming Revenue Fund to the Debt Service Fund in the amount of $400,000. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,061

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from the Gaming Revenue Fund to the Debt Service Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to move Gaming Revenues to the Debt Service Fund for tax reduction,

Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

The total maximum transfers from the Gaming Revenue Fund to the Debt Service Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $ 400,000.

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026 the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the Debt Service Fund in the amount of $300,000. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,062

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the Debt Service Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to move Local Option Sales Tax revenues to t    the Debt Service fund to reduce taxation.

Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

The total maximum transfers from the Local Option Sales Tax Fund to the Debt Service Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $ 300,000.

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026 the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed. 

Motion by Nelson second by Dietrich to approve a Resolution for Interfund Operating Transfers from the Secondary Road Fund to the Debt Service Fund in the amount of $300,000. Carried 5-0.

RESOLUTION FOR INTERFUND OPERATING TRANSFERS
RESOLUTION #14,063

Whereas, it is desired to authorize the Auditor to periodically transfer sums from the Secondary Road Fund to the Debt Service Fund during the Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget year, and

Whereas, said transfers must be in accordance with Section 331.432 Code of Iowa,

Whereas, the purpose of the transfers are to move Secondary Road revenues to the Debt Service Fund to pay FY 2026 principal and interest for the FY 2022 Secondary Gravel Project,

Now, therefore be it resolved by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County, Iowa, as follows:

The total maximum transfers from the Secondary Road Tax Fund to the Debt Service Fund for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, shall not exceed the sum of $ 300,000.

The Auditor is directed to correct her books when said operating transfers are made and to notify the Treasurer of the amounts of said transfers.

The above and foregoing resolution was adopted by the Board of Supervisors of Woodbury County Iowa, on June 16th, 2026 the vote being as follows:

WOODBURY COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Ung to receive the 2027 Capital Improvement Request for Trosper Hoyt - $160,000. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

A public hearing was held at 4:40 p.m. to conduct the second public hearing on a Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment (Rezone) from the Agricultural Preservation (AP) Zoning District to the Agricultural Estates (AE) Zoning District on Parcel #874727200011 for William J. Smith (2634 Buchanan Ave., Salix, IA 51052). The Chairperson called on anyone wishing to be heard.

Motion by Dietrich second by Nelson to close the public hearing. Carried 5-0.

Motion by Nelson second by Ung to approve the Second Reading of the said Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment (Rezone) from AP to AE on Parcel #874727200011 as the Final Reading. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to waive the Third Reading and Third Public Hearing of the said Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment (Rezone) from AP to AE on Parcel #874727200011. Carried 5-0. 

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to adopt Ordinance #89, Zoning Ordinance Map Amendment (Rezone) from AP to AE on Parcel #874727200011. Carried 5-0. 

Motion by Nelson second by Ung to receive the 2027 Capital Improvement Request for a Body Scanner - $201,500. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive the 2027 Capital Improvement Request for Printers & PCs - $25,000. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.
    
The board discussed the permitting procedures for industrial data centers in unincorporated Woodbury County. Copy filed.

Jodi Nelson, Salix; Maria Rundquist, Sioux City; Steve Corey, Salix; Cory Elliot, Sioux City; Janet Yanak, Salix; Christopher Prosh, Sioux City; Mitchell Peterson, Salix; Eunice Jensen, Sloan; Sue Wagner, 270th St, S side of proposed project; Elizabeth Widman, Sergeant Bluff; Hope Fawcett, Sioux City; and Lynette Ross, Lawton expressed concerns about Data Centers in Woodbury County. 

Motion by Nelson second by Carper to receive petitions and documents from Mr. Corey. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Nelson second by Bittinger to receive documents from Ms. Jensen. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Motion by Ung second by Nelson to consider and approve to officially designate the physical bulletin board located just inside the north entrance of the Woodbury County Courthouse near the security station as the official, prominent, and conspicuous location for posting Board of Supervisors meeting agendas and notices in compliance with House File 2490 and woodburycountyiowa.gov for the primary internet presence; and further directing all associated county boards, commissions, committees, and advisory bodies to formally designate their respective physical posting locations and primary internet presences. Carried 5-0. Copy filed.

Reports on committee meetings were heard.

Janet Yanak, Salix, expressed concerns about the legality of the Volunteer Annexations in Salix.

Steve Corey, Salix; expressed concerns about the road maintenance in the annexed area. 

Laura Sievers, Woodbury County Engineer, responded related to maintenance in the annexed area.

Rick Patterson, Salix, expressed concerns about the lack of transparency related to the proposed data center. 

Eunice Jensen, Sloan, inquired about accessing the minutes of the meeting.
    
Board concerns were heard.

The Board adjourned the regular meeting until June 23, 2026.

Meeting sign in sheet. Copy filed.