Health nurse, audit and county finances reported; county told to expect $501,922 from state program

At its May 19 meeting, the Deuel County Commissioners received routine health and audit updates and approved routine financial items while hearing that the county expects a six-figure state payment tied to Plainview Dairy.

County Health Nurse Tammy Baer delivered her semi-annual report, describing community outreach through 'Healthy Hometown' food-preservation and produce-stand efforts in Clear Lake, a March 30 suicide-prevention event held with Lost and Found, free vision screenings at the Gary Library and school health-care career presentations for 9th and 12th graders. Baer said immunization rates remain strong countywide, she is now a certified CPR instructor offering “Friends and Family” classes, and the Bike Rodeo is scheduled for June 5.

Natalie Zirbel of the Department of Legislative Audit presented the county’s 2023–2024 audit findings and reported no major infractions; she said two minor infractions were identified but have been corrected and thanked Auditor Courtney Parker and staff for cooperation.

Auditor Courtney Parker told the commission that Plainview Dairy has completed construction and the state has notified the county of a forthcoming payment of $501,922.27 tied to a program; the funds have not yet been received. Parker said an existing memorandum of understanding with Plainview and Blom Township directs that 65% of those funds be used to restore roads; Blom Township and Wildrose Dairy also received related grants. Parker also noted county liability insurance covers fairgrounds liability but the fairground structures are not listed on the insurance schedule; the board directed Parker to pursue scheduling those structures if the commission wants them added. Commissioners set employee raises for the 2027 budget at $0.70 plus step and grade.

Commissioner Steve Rhody moved, seconded by Judith Homan, to approve the April 2026 cash balance sheet, which showed a grand total cash asset balance of $10,523,112.25. The board approved a $2,000 support payment to Gary Historical and a $200 reimbursement to Jacky Kloos for mowing the highway shop; all motions carried unanimously.