The Greene County Board of Supervisors met yesterday in regular session.
During the open forum, Dave Dideriksen spoke to the Supervisors and invited them to a special anti-bullying event on February 21st. Their organization, Bullying In Greene County (B.I.G.) is designed to bring about awareness of bullying in all aspects, not just in schools. They are also aiming to make Iowa a part of the National Bully Project.
Board Vice-Chair Guy Richardson reported to the Supervisors about a committee meeting about the infrastructure of the courthouse. With the 100th-anniversary coming up for the courthouse in 2017, a committee was formed to decide on activities and events that the public could enjoy. Preliminary plans are to have a re-dedication ceremony in October of 2017 as well as activities going on throughout the month.
Next, Jefferson City Administrator Mike Palmer gave an update about the City. He said that they are anticipating a positive end fund balance for their 2016 fiscal year budget and they are planning on using the projected $150,000 in gambling funds from Wild Rose Jefferson to offset the cost of purchasing the Jefferson Community Golf Course for $300,000. The City is trying to build a new house on South Locust Street as part of their new housing program. However, the initial bids came in too high at $200,000. The City may have to scale back its design from a two-story to a one-story house for $170,000. Hy-Vee Incorporated has all of its shelves stocked and ready for its anticipated opening date of February 24th. The City has also hired a new golf course manager, Mike Destival, who will be introduced at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting.
The Board set March 2nd as the public hearing date for the 2016 fiscal year budget. The Board preliminarily decided on a slight decrease to the rural tax levy from $3.15 per $1,000 valuation this fiscal year to $3.12 for the upcoming fiscal year. The overall levy would also drop from $9.02 to $8.80.
Finally, attorney David Morain spoke to the Board about getting new drapes in the courtroom. The 1972 drapes were needed to be replaced. One estimate was for $3,000. No action was taken by the Supervisors.