By BARBARA PROFFITT | October 12, 2022

The Linn County Commissioners met on Tuesday, Oct. 11, for a meeting that was set over from Monday, Oct. 10, due to the holiday.

They began with approval of the minutes of the last meeting and then approved the cancellation of next week’s meeting, on Oct. 17, due to the KAC Conference.

County Clerk David Lamb noted he will have claims for next week that will need to be approved and County Counselor Gary Thompson advised they approve those via email when ready.

Commissioners approved the payment of claims for this week totaling $529,304.83 on a 3-0 vote.

Commissioners then approved abates 2021-176-177 on a 3-0 vote.

Commissioners accepted the Linn County Sheriff’s Office monthly fee report with a total of $1,362.50. Commissioners also accepted the monthly report from the Linn County Park and Marina.

Linn County Rural Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Randy Hegwald reported his department had responded to 11 calls in the last week, bringing the total for the year to 436.

Linn County Health Department Director Missy Lancaster reported on vaccination numbers and then gave commissioners bids for a canopy for their building to enable them to better serve those who want drive up shots or visits. Commissioners will review and discuss at the next regular meeting.

Linn County Public Works Administrator Shaun West turned in his quarterly report on the recycling program and costs associated with the program.

West then presented a breakdown of costs for hauling solid waste with the Allen County Landfill coming in lowest at $27 per ton, while Arcadia, which the county currently uses, is $40 per ton.

Commissioners asked West to look at mileage and costs associated comparatively and see if it made a difference or not.

Parker resident Robert Tyson spoke to commissioners regarding a property tax issue he had recently resolved and his findings in his research to resolve it. (See related article in next week’s edition.)

Planning and Zoning Administrator Darin Wilson then spoke to commissioners regarding bids for a contract with a firm to write the Linn County Zoning Regulations, including wind and solar regulations, subdivisions, and regular zoning. With two bids in, Wilson recommended the commissioners go with the higher of the two bids, noting that his board had also voted for that recommendation on a 6-3 vote.

Several members of the Planning and Zoning board spoke in regards to this matter and commissioners voted 2-1 with Commissioner Jim Johnson voting against to approve the higher bid of $39,000. (See related article in this edition.)