~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
The Greene County board of supervisors adopted a resolution at their Apr. 17 meeting finalizing 28E agreements with nine non-profits hoping to receive county funding from the supervisors.
County attorney Thomas Laehn has said Iowa Code requires a 28E agreement between the county and any non-profit before county money can be granted to the non-profit. Financial support can be granted to non-profit organizations to “improve the health, welfare, comfort, and convenience of the County’s residents.”
The non-profits that have completed 28E agreements and are now able to receive county support are: Bell Tower Festival, Central Iowa Tourism Region, Greene County Early Learning Center, Congregate Meals Elderserve II, Heart of Iowa habitat for Humanity, Greene County Historical Society, Jefferson Matters: A Main Street and Chamber Organization, New Opportunities, Inc., and RSVP 55+ Volunteer Program of Boone, Greene, and Guthrie Counties.
Laehn said the agreements for each non-profit are identical and are automatically renewed each year. Agreements have not yet been signed with the Bell Tower Community Foundation and the county libraries.
The board heard information from Matt Wetrich, Mary Weaver, and Pam Olerich about food and drink vendor regulations during the upcoming RAGBRAI event passing through Greene County Tuesday, July 25.
Wetrich, Weaver, and Olerich discussed RAGBRAI regulations and recommended an ordinance to cover vendors setting up on rural parts of the route. They said RAGBRAI recommends food and drink vendors between Glidden and Jefferson.
Laehn asked for sample wording recommended by RAGBRAI and told the board a public hearing will be necessary for an ordinance.
Supervisor Pete Bardole said the final day for vendors to apply for a temporary food license from Inspections and Appeals is June 23.
“Rippey will be ready,” Weaver said, and thanked the county road crews who have been working to get the route ready for bicycles.
Board chair John Muir asked about alcohol, permit costs, whether there could be exemption for kids’ lemonade stands in driveways, and other situations. Muir noted there are already regulations covering activities inside the city limits.
Laehn said a possible ordinance could be discussed at the next board meeting.
In other business, Laehn reported receiving emailed responses from legislators Carter Nordman and Jesse Green about a resolution from the Greene County supervisors citing their objections to Senate File 550, legislation to make Local Option Sales and Services Tax (LOSST) statewide instead of being under local control.
Laehn gave copies of the responses to the board.
The legislators’ opinion is money from an extra one-cent per dollar statewide sales tax would be divided among the counties and could result in more income for counties than a local option tax.
Laehn said the statewide tax would go to general revenue and then a portion would continue to the state conservation trust.
The board again discussed loss of local control as being a primary concern.
The board unanimously approved the County’s application for county substance abuse prevention and treatment services for FY2024. The grant application is for $1,902. Billie Jo Hoskins was named board-authorized signatory for the grant application and grant.
The board also unanimously approved an agreement with New Opportunities, Inc. to provide substance abuse prevention services for FY2024.
A three-year agreement with Cost Advisory Services, Inc. to provide professional consulting services to Greene County up to a cost of $4,450 per year was unanimously approved by the board. The agreement covers the years 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Attorney Laehn told the board the terms of the agreement are “very favorable.”
Chuck Wenthold, environmental department, reported upcoming meetings for the Beaver Creek Watershed and the North Raccoon Watershed groups. He reported receiving an invitation from the North Raccoon Watershed Management Coalition to attend a field day at a newly-constructed wetland on the DMACC Dallas County farm near Adel.
Wenthold also discussed testing for arsenic in private wells in the county.
