The Mills County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Liquor Licenses Approved
The board approved two liquor license items. A motion was approved for the license for Wine Time. Separately, the board approved a transfer and modification for Toby Jacks. The business had been sold; the new owners already held a liquor license but needed outdoor service added. The modification was approved pending the related public meeting process. Both items carried with no opposition noted.
Temporary Law Enforcement Agreement with City of Tabor
Sheriff Greg Schultz reported that the short-term 28E agreement with the City of Tabor for law enforcement services is progressing well. City officials have been positive about the presence and response. The original two-month contract was working without major issues.
The board approved a temporary 28E agreement with the City of Tabor for law enforcement services. Discussion included insurance details and contact with the mayor. Further long-term options may be reviewed later with the county attorney.
County Attorney’s Office Staffing Support
County Attorney DeShawne Bird-Sell requested temporary staffing help following the departure of John Piper. The office asked to increase Diana Wray’s hours from 11 to 15 per week and to advertise for a temporary part-time employee (15 hours per week), funded from the former full-time salary. Both positions would remain part-time with no IPERS or health insurance benefits.
The office faces multiple jury trials scheduled for August through October, plus juvenile court, magistrate court, mental health matters, and high daily call volume. Hiring a permanent replacement is expected to be competitive given openings in neighboring counties. After discussion about consulting on the budget details, the board approved permission to advertise for the temporary employee.
Election-Related Approvals
Election Deputy Katie Dodge received approval to shred unvoted ballot materials from the 2026 primary after the required retention period.
The board also approved the purchase of materials (previous Menards quote approximately $1,223, with a buffer up to about $1,600) to wall off and secure additional election equipment space at the Mills County Annex. Shelving had already been installed under prior approval.
Dodge announced a permanent change of the Precinct 9 (St. Mary’s Township) polling place from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mineola to Bella Terra. The change is due to space constraints observed during the 2024 primary. Bella Terra is providing the space at no charge.
Funding Requests Approved
The board approved $4,000 in funding for West Central Community Action. The amount had been included in the budget; formal action was completed to finalize the request.
The board also approved moving a previously authorized $1,000 matching grant for the Mills County Chamber of Tourism (video project) from FY26 LOST funds to FY27 LOST funds. This allows the funds to be released now that the related grant has been received.
Courthouse Lawn Use for Bible Reading
The board approved use of the courthouse lawn for a Bible reading event on August 29, 2026, from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
County Engineer Jacob Ferro provided several updates:
• A new motor grader arrived earlier than the expected six-month wait.
• Sealcoat work finished on Oak Deacon Road. Slurry leveling from Mineola east to Oak 55 came in under budget.
• Strong results reported from the PermaZone product used under sealcoat on Deacon Road. Dust reduction and reduced blading frequency were noted (approximately $8,000 per mile). Expansion is planned for other roads including Eastman and 32nd Street.
• A grant was approved covering a significant portion of a skid-loader attachment under the higher PM program. Paperwork will be brought for board approval to order the equipment.
• Other items included washout repairs (some related to fiber trenches), discussion of speed-limit enforcement near 221st and Paris, bump grinding work, a resident petition process for potential sealcoating on 250th Street, monitoring of FEMA buyout property, and a fiscal-year recap report expected the following week.
Public Comment – Board Expansion Petition
Chris Wiede of the Mills County Matters working group reported filing a petition with approximately 1,239 signatures (a small number possibly invalid) seeking to place a question on the November ballot about expanding the Board of Supervisors from three to five members. He stated strong support from door-to-door contacts and plans for public forums or debates in eastern and western parts of the county around early October. A work session was held after the regular meeting to review the petition signatures.
Another speaker raised concerns regarding a waste facility revenue stream, GRC-related development, and recommended a 20-year tax freeze on certain businesses and land. He urged the county attorney to review original agreements.
Other Updates and Supervisor Reports
Additional items included:
• Auditor Amber Farnan updated the board on NIRP tax software progress. Exemptions and credits work is complete; levies are next, with a draft expected for the treasurer soon.
• Supervisors reported on meetings including Windhaven (Medicare/Medicaid reliance), the CMS board in Silver City, GRC demolition and infrastructure progress, economic development discussions along Bundy Avenue with Glenwood Mayor Jill Studek, a Board of Health decision on an unpermitted septic system (fine not waived to avoid setting precedent), notification meetings, and SWEDA policy.
• Interest was expressed in advancing the sale of a VA building and handling of flooded buyout parcels. A Golden Hills funds item is to be placed on a future agenda.
• Positive comments were shared regarding a recent community event involving law enforcement and youth activities.
The board entered an exempt session pursuant to Iowa Code 20.17(3) related to negotiations and strategy, then returned to open session. The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:02 a.m. A work session followed to review the filed petition signatures (no formal action taken during the work session).
Leave a Reply
Your email is safe with us.