Harrison County Supervisors Meeting January 8, 2026 Chairman Brian Rife called the meeting to order with members Tony Smith and Rebecca Wilkerson in attendance. Motion to approve the tentative agenda removing Resolution number 05-0126-SR was made by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Minutes from January 2nd were approved on a motion by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion Carried. Attendance: Auditor Megan Reffett, Michele Stirtz, John Rasmussen, Rashelle Wohlers, David Sherer, Sarah Delanty, Brad Doyle, Jack Jones, Shelia Phillips Budget Amendment Public Hearing Chairman Rife opened the public hearing as advertised. No comments from the public were heard. Motion to close the public hearing by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Approval of Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2026 Motion to approve the amendment as presented by Wilkerson, second by Smith. Motion carried. Request to temporarily close the Courthouse for Courthouse employee training The Board discussed the option of closing the Courthouse for employee training that was tabled last week. Motion to close the Courthouse starting at 3pm for active threat training by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. Department Bank Reconciliations The Recorder and Sheriff presented bank reconciliations for the month of January for Board review. Handwritten Warrant to US Bank Motion to approve the handwritten warrant to US Bank by Wilkerson, second by Smith. Motion carried. Discussion on Raglan Highway Drainage District The Board met as Trustees for the Raglan Highway District. The Board discussed the work being done in the Raglan Highway District. The Board agreed to have Rick Shearer work with Bolten and Menk to move forward with the project. Engineer Consider Approval of Resolution Number 01-0126-SR RESOLUTION NO. 01-0126-SR RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY ENGINEER TO ADMINISTER AND MANAGE CONTRACTS FOR THE SECONDARY ROADS DEPARTMENT, CERTIFY COMPLETION PAPERS AND MAKE FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF CONTRACT WORK USING LOCAL, FARM TO MARKET, AND FEDERAL AID FUNDS. WHEREAS, it is necessary that the Harrison County Engineer be empowered by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors to execute the Certificate of Completion and make final acceptance of Farm-to-Market contract construction work as provided for in Section 310 of the Code of Iowa, 2002, as well as, Local and Federally funded contract construction work within the Secondary Road Department's scope of operations, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors in session this 8TH day of January, 2026, that said County Engineer John A. Rasmussen, be hereby designated, authorized, and empowered on behalf of the Harrison County Board of Supervisors to administer and manage contracts for the Secondary Roads Department, execute the Certification of Completion of Work and Final Acceptance thereof in accordance with plans and specifications utilizing Local, Farm-to-Market and Federally funded construction projects for the Secondary Roads Department in Harrison County for the year 2026. Motion to approve as presented by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Smith Aye. Wilkerson Aye. Rife Aye. Motion carried. Consider Approval of Resolution Number 02-0126-SR RESOLUTION 02-0126-SR RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ENGINEER TO CLOSE SECONDARY ROADS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND/OR MAINTENANCE. WHEREAS, Section 306.41 of the Code of Iowa, 2002, provides that "The agency having jurisdiction and control over any highway in the state, or the chief engineer of said agency when delegated by such agency, may temporarily close sections of a highway by formal resolution entered upon the minutes of such agency when reasonably necessary because of construction, reconstruction, maintenance, or natural disaster and shall cause to be erected ROAD CLOSED signs and partial or total barricades in the roadway at each end of the closed highway section and on the closed highway where that highway is intersected by other highways if such intersection remains open. Any numbered road closed for over forty-eight hours shall have a designated detour route. The agency having jurisdiction over a section of highway closed in accordance with the provisions of this section, or the persons or contractors employed to carry out the construction, reconstruction, or maintenance of the closed section of highway, shall not be liable for any damages to any vehicle that enters the closed section of highway or the contents of such vehicle or for any injuries to any person that enters the closed section of highway, unless the damages are caused by gross negligence of the agency or contractor," NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors in session this 8TH day of January 2026, that the County Engineer or Road Foreman be authorized to close Harrison County Secondary roads as necessary with the actual dates of closure to be determined by the County Engineer or Road Foreman as follows: For Construction: Any project as described in the approved "Harrison County Secondary Road Construction Program and any approved supplements thereto. For Emergency Closure of any road for maintenance purposes: Any route deemed necessary by the County Engineer or Road Foreman. Motion to approve as presented by Wilkerson, second by Smith. Smith Aye. Wilkerson Aye. Rife Aye. Motion carried. Consider Approval of Resolution Number 03-0126-SR RESOLUTION 03-0126-SR AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY ENGINEER TO APPROVE UTILITY PERMITS WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors of Harrison County, Iowa, is vested with the jurisdiction and control over the Secondary Road System within the County, pursuant to Chapters 306, 319, 320, 331, and other applicable sections of the Code of Iowa; and WHEREAS, the placement of utilities, including but not limited to telecommunications, electric, gas, water, and sewer lines, within the County's road rights-of-way requires a permit; and WHEREAS, the timely processing of utility permits is essential for efficient County operations and the needs of utility companies and residents; and WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors wishes to designate and empower the County Engineer to approve and execute utility permits on its behalf to streamline the administrative process. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Supervisors of Harrison County Iowa: 1. That the Harrison County Engineer, is hereby designated and authorized to review, approve, and execute all utility permits issued by the County for the placement of utility facilities within the County's road rights-of-way. 2. That all utility permits will be issued in accordance with the county's adopted policies and standards for utility accommodation. 3. That this resolution shall take effect immediately upon its passage and approval. Motion to approve as presented by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Smith Aye. Wilkerson Aye. Rife Aye. Motion carried. Consider Approval of Resolution Number 04-0126-SR RESOLUTION NO. 04-0126-SR RESOLUTION TO AUTHORIZE THE COUNTY ENGINEER TO ISSUE AND SIGN SPECIAL PERMITS FOR THE MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES OF EXCESSIVE SIZE AND WEIGHT UPON HARRISON COUNTY SECONDARY ROADS. WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors is empowered under authority of Section 321 E.1 of the 2002 Code of Iowa to issue permits for the movement of machines, vehicles, or loads, or combinations thereof which exceed the maximum dimensions and/or weights specified in Sections 321.452 to 321.466 but within the limitations of Chapter 321 E upon Secondary Roads under their jurisdiction, and WHEREAS, it is important that such permits be issued by persons familiar with the statutes and regulations relating to such permits and with the limitations of the County's roadways, road surfaces, and structures along the selected or designated routes, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors in session this 8TH day of January, 2026, that the Harrison County Engineer and the following named employees of the Secondary Roads Department be authorized to issue and sign special permits for the movement of vehicles of excessive size and weight upon Harrison County Secondary Roads in accordance with said Chapters 321 E and 321 as amended: John Rasmussen, County Engineer Kathy Lunderguard, Administrative Assistant to the Engineer Arnold Smith, Technical Assistant to the Engineer Motion to approve as presented by Wilkerson, second by Smith. Smith Aye. Wilkerson Aye. Rife Aye. Motion carried. FY27 Budget Discussion The Board reviewed the Board, Auditor, General Services, Clerk of Court, Mental Health, Human Services, and Attorney departments. Discussion on IBIP Training for Newly Elected Officials Member Wilkerson gave an update on the required training for newly elected or appointed officials. Each appointed or elected official is required to complete the training within 90 days of their appointment. Wilkerson stated that she had completed the training and felt it was very beneficial and felt it would be beneficial for all people to take it. Training dates are January 14th and January 26th. Comments Member Smith – Comments on discussing salaries and budget rollover. Member Wilkerson – Comments on board microphones. Brad Doyle – Comments on the budget process and Board meeting location. Michele Stirtz – Comments on the budget amendment hearing. Jack Jones – Comments on hearing board meetings. Shelia Phillips – Comments regarding concerns with the Board of Supervisors. With business of the day completed, the Board adjourned on a motion by Smith, second by Wilkerson. Motion carried. ATTEST: Megan Reffett, Auditor Brian Rife, Chairman HCTR 1-21-26
