Winnebago County Board approves drainage annexations, Bridge G‑17‑N1 closure and tax notice

Bill Jensvold, Chairperson of the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors, and the board met March 24, 2026 and approved a set of routine and infrastructure items, including drainage district reports, a bridge closure and the county tax notice.

The board unanimously approved the Annexation and Reclassification Reports for Drainage District (DD) 41 after Jacobson Westergard representative Collin Klingbeil identified one parcel with a private tile flowing out of the district and said he would reduce that parcel’s benefit. On a motion by Supervisor Smith, seconded by Supervisor Durby, the board closed the public hearing and approved the adjusted DD 41 reports. The board took a similar sequence of actions for DD 111, opening and closing the hearing and approving the reports on a motion by Smith and seconded by Durby; all voted aye.

County engineers and staff brought a resolution to close County Bridge G‑17‑N1. The board adopted the resolution on a motion by Durby, seconded by Smith. Meeting minutes describe the structure as a five‑span wood bridge on the north side of Newton 17 on 440th Street (west of 130th Avenue), with a ditch about 25 feet deep; staff discussed replacement options, including installing a twin 10 x 10 box or rerouting the road.

The board approved the 1st Tier Special City Election and approved the county Tax Notice for the FY 2026‑27 budget after a public hearing and discussion of the budget. Supervisors also approved the day’s claims, which included $73,343.52 to BMC Aggregates LLC and a $247,852.45 EMS reimbursement to the City of Forest City. The Auditor recorded receipt of three manure management plans from AJ Lackore Farms Inc. and Holland Pork LLC.

The board set a public hearing for the FY 2027 budget for April 14, 2026 at 9:00 A.M. and adjourned until subsequent scheduled sessions. All formal motions noted in the minutes passed with all supervisors recorded as voting aye.

What happens next: the county will implement the bridge closure resolution and proceed with any required follow‑up steps; the FY2027 budget public hearing will be held April 14, 2026 as scheduled.