Board approves consent agenda, backs lobbying for transportation funding and asks legislature for third Polk County circuit judge

The Polk County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 17 approved its consent agenda and adopted two resolutions: one urging support for transportation funding solutions and another asking state legislators to establish a third Polk County circuit court judge. The board later voted to meet in closed session under statute 19 85 1 g and adjourned.

Members moved and seconded the consent agenda, approving items A and B by voice vote. Shortly afterward, a motion to approve Resolution 0326 — described on the record as lobbying for transportation funding solutions — was made, seconded and approved with no recorded opposing votes.

Later in the meeting the board debated and approved a time-sensitive resolution (recorded as Resolution 0426) to ask the state to provide a third Polk County circuit court judge. A supervisor explained the county’s interest in securing an additional judge while state caseload reports and competing bills were still being considered; staff were directed to send the adopted resolution immediately to area legislators. The supervisor said, according to the transcript, that the county is “all set to go with the justice center for this with our third court” and expects the appointment in 2027 or 2028 depending on legislative timing.

Before adjourning, a motion and second were made to move into closed session under statute 19 85 1 g; the motion carried by voice vote. After the closed-session motion, the board made and approved a motion to adjourn.

Votes at a glance
- Consent agenda (A & B): approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 0326 (lobbying for transportation funding solutions): motion made and seconded; approved (voice vote).
- Resolution 0426 (requesting establishment of a third Polk County circuit court judge): motion made and seconded; approved (voice vote).
- Motion to go into closed session (per statute 19 85 1 g): motion made and seconded; approved (voice vote).

Next steps noted on the record: the clerk was to distribute the transportation-resolution materials to legislators immediately, and staff were to forward the judicial-request resolution to state lawmakers for consideration.