Leahn credits law enforcement for stiffer penalties for criminal offenses
~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline
At the July 19 Greene County board of supervisors meeting, county attorney Thomas Laehn told the board a 28E agreement between the county and the city of Jefferson concerning joint operation of the new law enforcement center just needs some minor changes in language before approval by both entities.
“We (the county) can approve it next Monday, and the Jefferson city council will consider it at the next council meeting,” Laehn said.
Laehn also described progress made by his office in prosecuting violent crime in the county. Recently, three defendants were convicted and received prison sentences.
In a later email to the press, Laehn identified the offenses as including willful injury resulting in bodily injury, domestic abuse assault, child endangerment, and controlled substance violations.
The sentencing for all three offenders was indeterminate depending on behavior in prison but ranged from a mandatory three years for a habitual offender to a possible 15 years.
“People are getting meaningful consequences for violent crime.” Laehn said. “Good law enforcement makes my job easier.”
In the past, Laehn has recognized law enforcement for quality of investigation and documentation.
Supervisor Dawn Rudolph said, “For so long, it’s been probation or nothing.”
“It’s our duty to seek justice,” Laehn said.
In other business, Emily Schwickerath, district representative for Representative Randy Feenstra, told the board she is available for help with questions about the federal funds being sent to counties as part of the America Repair Plan.
“In general, funds can be used for infrastructure,” Schwickerath said.
Engineer Wade Weiss reported he and supervisor Mick Burkett will attend a meeting in August at the Iowa Department of Transportation site in Ames to discuss ongoing planning for Highway 30 from Ogden to Carroll.
“The Highway 30 Coalition is wanting a rural four-lane concept, but the IDOT prefers a super-two concept,” Weiss said.
The IDOT website describes a rural four-lane as a divided highway of two lanes on each side of a median. The super-two highway is undivided but has turning lanes.
The board unanimously approved homestead credits for two new residents who are disabled veterans. Pam Olerich, real estate and tax coordinator, presented the information to the board.
According to the Iowa Department of Veteran’s Affairs website, disabled veterans are allowed to claim a homestead credit equal to the entire amount of taxes levied on the homestead property. There are limits as to size of property credited and rules for degree of disability.
Treasurer Katlynn Mechaelsen reviewed her quarterly investment report and semi-annual publication report. Both reports were unanimously approved by the board.
Mechaelsen noted income from Wild Rose was up from last year and Rudolph noted online sports gambling was not up very much.
John Torbert, executive director for the Iowa Drainage District Association, presented an annual update to the board. Torbert focused on legislation passed by the state legislature during the 2021 session.
Torbert said drainage costs may now be posted in the auditor’s office and on the county internet site. This will reduce publication costs. Engineering cost thresholds for repair work became law on July 1. Also, people entitled to receive written notices may now receive unofficial notices of work to be performed by electronic mail.
