News

JCED seeks funding increase to hire new director

Published by admin on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 3:15pm

     Jones County Economic Development (JCED) is prepared to start their job search for a new county director.

     Patty Manuel, president of the JCED Board, provided an update to the Jones County Supervisors during their Jan. 2 board meeting.

     “We’re ready with the job description and ready to post the job,” she said.

     However, Manuel said their board has some concerns when it comes to whether they can afford to hire someone at a credible salary.

Council looks to fill open seat

Published by admin on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 3:14pm

     With former Monticello City Council member Brian Wolken officially serving as mayor that leaves one of the Council At-large seats open.

     By state code, the council has 60 days from the time the vacancy begins (Jan. 2) to fill the seat.

     The council has two options in order to do just that:

     • The council could hold a special election of the residents of Monticello, which would have to be scheduled with the county auditor. City Administrator Doug Herman noted a special election could end up costing city taxpayers as much as $2,500.

Area legislators provide insight into 2018 session

Published by admin on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 3:13pm

     Iowa Legislators returned to the Statehouse in Des Moines on Jan. 8 for the start of the new legislative session. Back at it are area legislators Sen. Tob Bowman (D), Sen. Dan Zumbach, (R), and Rep. lee Hein (R).

     With new Governor Kim Reynolds at the helm, and education and mental health funding being a hot topic right now, the Express reached out to are area legislators for their comments going into the new session.

Sen. Tod Bowman

     Q: What are the top three priorities for the state this session?

ECIHTF asks county for funding increase

Published by admin on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 2:56pm

     “Your support is appreciated and I hope you continue,” expressed Tracey Achenbach with the East Central Iowa Housing Trust Fund.

     Achenbach spoke with the Jones County Supervisors during their Jan. 2 board meeting.

     Last year, Jones County contributed $1,555 to the ECIHTF. This next fiscal year, they are asking the county to consider an increase of $1,944 in order to help fund their FY 2019 programming.

     In all, the ECIHTF is requesting a total of $8,000 from its participating counties of Benton, Iowa, Jones, and Washington.

City, MEMT share in cost for EMT training

Published by admin on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 2:55pm

     The City of Monticello is working with the MEMT (Monticello Emergency Medical Team) to assist candidates wishing to take part in the EMT training to then serve on the Monticello Ambulance Service.

     During the Jan. 3 city council meeting, the council approved a cost-share program with MEMT. The trainee would cover $235 of the cost, with the city and MEMT sharing the remaining $1,668 of the total $1,903.

County supervisors appointed to committees

Published by admin on Wed, 01/10/2018 - 1:28pm

     Jones County Supervisor Lloyd Eaken was appointed chair of the Board of Supervisors. During the first meeting of 2018 on Jan. 2, Supervisor Ned Rohwedder was also appointed vice chair.

     The board also approved the following committee appointments:

Lloyd Eaken

     • Eastern Iowa Regional Utility Service System (EIRUSS)

     • Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management Committee

     • Jones County Economic Development Commission

     • Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition

     • Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP)

After 40 years, Andreesen retires as county assessor

Published by admin on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 8:57am

     As of Jan. 1, Jones County will have a new assessor.

     After 41 years, Arnie Andreesen retired from his post. Chief Deputy Assessor Sarah Benter was appointed the new county assessor. Benter has worked for the Assessor’s Office for seven and a half years.

     Throughout the State of Iowa, county assessors were established in 1948. Out of 99 counties, Jones County is the only one to have had just two county assessors in this 70-year period. Andreesen said establishing longevity like this is quite unusual for this position across the state.

County Comp Board recommends 4 percent increase

Published by admin on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 8:55am

     After the Jones County Compensation Board met on Dec. 19 to review elected officials’ FY 2019 salaries (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019), they recommended the following to the Jones County Supervisors:

     • County Attorney, a recommended 4 percent increase from $93,529.86 to $97,271.05 (a difference of $3,741.19)

     • Sheriff, a recommended 4 percent increase from $83,211.10 to $86,539.54 (a difference of $3,328.44)

     • County Auditor, a recommended 4 percent increase from $64,491.98 to $67,071.66 (a difference of 2,579.68)

Sheriff outlines additional courthouse security needs

Published by admin on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 8:55am

     The future security needs inside the Jones County Courthouse and the county’s additional properties was a topic of discussion during the Dec. 27 Jones County Supervisors meeting.

     The Courthouse Security Committee (which is made up of representatives from the various departments) met on Dec. 19. At that time, they put together a list of future security needs:

     • Auto door locks

     • Shatterproof film, window ladders, door hinge covers

     • Steel powder-coated plates installed inside the judges’ benches

Jones Co. Service Project Day, Jan. 15

Published by admin on Wed, 01/03/2018 - 8:52am

     The Jones County Volunteer Center and Jones County Extension and Outreach are coming together for Service Project Day, Monday, Jan. 15.

     School is out for the day–come spend some time giving back to the Jones County community. Service Project Day will include the following activities:

     • Card making

     • Art creation

     • Tie blankets

     • Food donations

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