The Greene County Board of Supervisors met Monday in regular session.
During open forum, two rural Grand Junction residents addressed the Board about their concerns with a recent solar power panel project. They presented a petition asking the Supervisors to put a moratorium on the project for one year to further do research on the project. The residents were worried about National Grid Renewables potentially taking away farmland and replacing it with alternative energy. Supervisor Chair John Muir the company only made one presentation in May and shared individual landowners have the right to do what they want, but when do those rights infringe on others’ rights. The Board responded that they would continue to ask questions regarding the project.
County Attorney Thomas Laehn told the Board a state-wide lawsuit against a pharmaceutical company regarding opioid litigation had settled. Laehn said all Iowa counties will receive some amount from the $25 million settlement, including Greene County. He mentioned the main stipulation was to use the funds to abate the opioid problem.
The Board then held a brief discussion with an ISG representative about the proposed new county jail project. Muir mentioned that they would be looking over all options for services prior to an agreement for the architecture portion to be done ahead of a potential bond referendum for a new jail.
Jefferson City Administrator Mike Palmer gave an update. He said the alleyway resurfacing project by the White House Apartments and the Companion Veterinary Clinic will start mid-August. The runway extension for the Jefferson Municipal Airport has been poured, but the electrical will not be done until next spring. He added that public informational meetings will be happening soon regarding the improvements for West Lincoln Way from Highway 4 to Grimmell Road. Finally, Palmer said the animal shelter project will be re-bid in August.
Next, the Board approved the business property tax credits for about 150 parcels, along with approving the sheriff’s quarterly report of fees for April through June of $60,450 and the auditor’s quarterly passport report for April through June of issuing 45 passports for a total of $1,575. Finally, they approved a temporary transfer of $150,000 from the general fund to debt service for the initial payment of the former Midland Power Cooperative building.