Tama County approves broadband permits, rumble panels for Highway T47 and several personnel and finance items

At its March 30 meeting the Tama County Board of Supervisors approved multiple infrastructure and administrative actions including utility permits for broadband work, road safety improvements and staffing wage adjustments.

The board approved a utility permit from Olsson on behalf of MidAmerican Energy for broadband work and a permit from Windstream Iowa Communications, authorizing the county chair to sign both permits. Interim county engineer Nick Amelon reported the DOT recommended rumble/mumble panels for roads that lead to Highway 30; the board approved installing rumble panels on Highway T47, noting the DOT will reimburse the county and that a 'Stop Ahead' sign will be installed.

On personnel matters, the board approved a 3.0% wage increase for non‑elected, non‑union employees and accepted negotiated increases for bargaining units: 1.5% for Secondary Roads, 3% for 911 dispatchers, 3% for jailers and 6% for deputy sheriffs. Supervisors thanked staff and negotiators for reaching agreements. Auditor Karen Rohrs recommended setting the FY27 budget public hearing for April 20 at 8:45 a.m.; the board set that date.

Financial business included approval of claims totaling $142,949.15. Supervisors also reported on agency meetings: a Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center update, a Heartland Risk Pool meeting and the Land Use Plan survey deadline. The regular meeting adjourned at 9:06 a.m.