By BARBARA PROFFITT | October 26, 2022

The Linn County Commissioners began their meeting on Monday, Oct. 24, with the approval of the minutes of the last meeting on Oct. 10. The Oct. 17 meeting was cancelled so that commissioners could attend the KAC Conference.

Commissioners then voted 3-0 to approve the claims in the amount of $516,587.02.

Galen Anderson with AMR reported on the their monthly numbers in transports and times and held a brief discussion with commissioners regarding reimbursements from Medicare, Medicaid and insurance companies in general.

Linn County Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Hegwald reported on weekly numbers of incidents that the rural fire departments responded noting several grass fires recently. 

Linn County Health Department Director Missy Lancaster reported on events in her department, adding the bid received on the awning structure. Concern was noted over a pipe structure being attached to the front of the building on the east side due to wind issues and Lancaster was asked if the south side would work for them.

Linn County Treasurer Janet Kleweno provided a report on third quarter interest and delinquent property taxes with the latter being broken down in totals by land and camper lots. The report shows that $469,880.89 of 2021 property taxes are delinquent (See related article.)

Dannie Stewart who owns property on the north side  of the county line between Linn and Miami and also owns property along the east side of Iliff Road leading into Miami County, requested that Iliff Road, from 3,400 feet north of 2400 Road to the county line be made a minimum maintenance road and possibly eventually that section be vacated. Stewart stated that many times people have destroyed things or stolen items from his property, including a tractor and a bull. Commissioners approved making the stretch of road minimum maintenance and a hearing will be held at the Nov. 14, 2022 meeting where neighboring property owners who approve or oppose will have the chance to speak.

Darin Wilson, Planning and Zoning Administrator, reported he had received a contract from Kaup Law Office on the writing of the zoning regulations and that county counselor Gary Thompson had reviewed said contract. Commissioners approved the contract on a 3-0 vote.

Jessica Hightower spoke on behalf of Public Works Administrator Shaun West noting the county had received two burial permit requests.

The first one was from Peoples Telecommunications for 17482 County Road 1095 and the second for a stretch of road from Goodrich to Parker along County Road 1077 for Kwikom. Commissioners approved both, each on a 3-0 vote.

Linn County Economic Development Director Jessica Hightower reported she had received the grant for housing assessments and needs commissioners to follow through on hiring the temporary help for that grant.

Commissioners then entered into a 20-minute executive session for personnel matters with no action taken following the session.