On January 27, 2004, the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors convened for their thirtieth meeting of the year, addressing a range of county matters from tax suspensions to budget discussions. Among the key decisions made was the designation of depositories for Woodbury County funds, a resolution that notably included Pioneer Bank of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. This meeting provides a glimpse into the financial administration of Woodbury County and the role of local banks like Pioneer Bank in managing public funds.
The meeting commenced at 9:00 AM with all Board members present: Batcheller, Boykin, Clausen, Walish, and Welte. Key staff members including Karen James, Board Administrative Coordinator, Patrick F. Gill, Auditor/Clerk to the Board, and John Sullivan, Board Legal Counsel, were also in attendance. The initial actions involved routine approvals, such as the claims presented and the minutes from the previous meeting on January 20, 2004. An amendment to the agenda was quickly approved to include a master matrix resolution, indicating the time-sensitive nature of certain county responsibilities.
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to financial and administrative matters. The Board approved Resolution No. 9732, granting a tax suspension for Dorothy E. Lane, a property owner in Sioux City. This resolution highlights the Board’s role in addressing individual financial hardships within the county, as it recognized Ms. Lane’s inability to generate public revenue from her property.
Another notable decision was the appointment of official county newspapers for legal publications. The Sioux City Journal, Sergeant Bluff Advocate, and Moville Record were selected, ensuring that public notices and legal information were disseminated across Woodbury County communities, including Sergeant Bluff.
The Board also addressed agricultural concerns by approving Resolution No. 9733, a construction evaluation resolution related to confinement feeding operations. This resolution demonstrated the county’s engagement with Iowa Code Section 459.304(3) regarding environmental regulations and its commitment to evaluating construction permit applications for agricultural facilities using the master matrix system. This indicates Woodbury County’s proactive approach to balancing agricultural development with environmental stewardship.
A crucial financial resolution, Resolution No. 9734, focused on naming depositories for Woodbury County funds. This resolution is particularly relevant as it directly involves Pioneer Bank Sergeant Bluff, Iowa. The resolution meticulously listed various banks across Woodbury County and specified the maximum deposit amounts for each institution. Pioneer Bank in Sergeant Bluff was designated as a depository with a maximum deposit of $5,000,000, reflecting its standing as a trusted financial institution within the community and its capacity to manage county funds. Other banks listed included institutions in Sioux City, Sloan, Pierson, Danbury, Hornick, Correctionville, Moville, Anthon, Smithland, Cushing, and Liberty Bank in Sioux City, illustrating the wide network of financial partners Woodbury County utilized.
Further financial discussions included the approval to authorize the Chairman to sign a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Care Facilities Grant for the renovation of Siouxland District Health, demonstrating the Board’s commitment to improving local healthcare infrastructure. The Board also considered and approved continued funding for a watershed inspection position under a 28E Agreement, allocating $20,000.00, emphasizing their dedication to environmental conservation and water quality within the county.
The meeting also touched upon community planning and development. The Rural Residential Task Force recommendation was referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission, indicating a structured approach to addressing residential development issues in rural areas. Additionally, the Board waived conditional use permit application fees for several property owners in the R-1 (Rural Residential District), showing responsiveness to citizen concerns and a willingness to ease financial burdens related to zoning processes.
Budgetary matters were a significant part of the later discussions. The Board deliberated on and accepted budget reductions for Emergency Services, the Board of Supervisors expense budget itself, Juvenile Detention, and the Communications Center. These discussions and decisions reflect the Board’s fiscal responsibility and careful management of county resources. A discussion on mileage reimbursement for the Sheriff’s office serving papers also indicated attention to operational costs and resource allocation within county departments.
In conclusion, the January 27, 2004 meeting of the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors covered a diverse range of essential county functions. From approving tax suspensions and resolutions related to agricultural operations to managing budgets and designating financial depositories, the Board addressed critical aspects of county governance. The designation of Pioneer Bank Sergeant Bluff, Iowa, as a depository for county funds underscores the bank’s importance in the local financial landscape and its trusted position in managing public resources within Woodbury County. This meeting minutes document serves as a valuable record of local governance and the financial partnerships that support Woodbury County’s operations and community services.
