Courthouse improvements planned for next spring

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     A timeline has been firmed up for the site improvements at the Jones County Courthouse in Anamosa.

     During the Aug. 28 Board of Supervisors meeting, the board set a public hearing regarding the plans, specifications, and proposed cost estimate. The project includes replacement of the west courthouse ramp and stairs, drainage improvements on the north side of the courthouse, as well as work to the entrances on the south and east sides.

     The hearing will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9:15 a.m.

      Pre-bid meeting will be held on Sept. 19, with bids due at the courthouse on Oct. 1. On Oct. 2, the board will open bids, and plan to award a contract on Sept. 9.

     The early start-date, County Auditor Janine Sulzner shared, is tentatively March 4, 2019. The completion date is proposed for May 5.

 

In other county business:

     • Bill Goodman and Curtis Thornhill with the American Legion met with the board to request a countywide proclamation on Sunday, Sept. 16 as American Legion Day in honor of the Legion’s 99th anniversary. The board approved the request.

     The American Legion boasts more than 2 million members, both men and women from all wars and conflicts.

     When asked if the Jones County Legion posts are planning any celebrations, Goodman said that is up to the posts themselves.

     “We provide oversight,” he said. “But a large effort is underway for the 100th anniversary next year.”

     There are five Legion posts in Jones County. Anamosa is the largest with 200 members, followed by Oxford Junction with roughly 80. Monticello, Olin and Wyoming all have about 60 members each.

     “We are having problems getting Afghan and Iraq veterans tom join,” said Goodman. “Some are struggling to find jobs and are raising families.

     “Our most successful rate of active members are at 45 years and older,” added Goodman. “And some members of Jones County’s posts reside overseas.”

     • County Engineer Derek Snead presented a new job description and proposed salary for a new assistant office manager in the Engineer’s Office.

     “I am trying to be progressive and evolve the position to handle additional office duties around the office to make things more efficient,” he said.

     Snead proposed to start the position at 40 hours a week, with the possibility of backing off to 30-35 hours after the workload is analyzed.

     After researching other county departments and positions within those offices/departments, Snead requested $42,500 as a starting point.

     “I want to target someone with a higher education background and previous work experience,” he said. “There’s definitely a target audience, and I’d like to offer a comparable salary to the other county departments.”

     The board will take action on the new position at their next meeting.

     

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