Tama County Administration Building, 104 W State St., Toledo, Iowa. SUN COURIER FILE PHOTO

TOLEDO – “It’s just not gonna happen,” Curt Hilmer announced during the April 10 Tama County Supervisors meeting when asked for an update on livestreaming the weekly sessions. Hilmer went on to say that there are too many people opposing the prospect — namely, the other two supervisors, Dan Anderson and Bill Faircloth, plus another whose approval would be needed.

Supervisor Anderson said he didn’t disapprove of livestreaming in general, but of the price of the system. Hilmer had previously suggested a system that would cost around $1,000, which Anderson was okay with, but the quotes they received were for systems costing up to $10,000, which Anderson thought was too steep.

Tammy Wise, Tama County Human Resources and Insurance Administrator, spoke up, contending that if the county was to invest in livestreaming, they need to get a “good” system with a server. According to Wise, attorney Carlton Salmons – who represents the county through the insurance risk pool – said that if the meetings are to be livestreamed, the meetings need to be recorded on an individual server. According to Hilmer, both Benton and Marshall counties use the $1,000 livestreaming system and don’t seem to worry about storing the videos.

Richard Arp, the Treasurer for the Tama County Against Turbines group, made mention of a gentleman from Belle Plaine that is currently putting in a system for Iowa County as a possible option. Carolyn Adolphs said this isn’t being respectful to the rural farmers who can’t come to the meetings every Monday morning.

“They come to me about the meetings, and then they are getting second-hand information,” she went on to say.

Supervisor Anderson’s response was for Ms. Adolphs to invite the people to come to the meetings. Ms. Adolphs said she had, but they are busy.

“Some people work,” Supervisor Hilmer said.

Other business

Jesse Ward, on behalf of the Tama County Engineer’s office, said that there is a utility being removed from the Toledo Deer Creek bridge this week before its replacement. Ward was also approved to sign documents when interim County Engineer Gary Mauer is out of the office. Amber lights are being ordered for the intersection of Peyton Road and Highway V37. Contract rock hauling continues and will move toward the Chelsea area. K Avenue grade restoration will also begin.

A county budget public hearing was set for Thursday, April 27, at 8:30 a.m. for the fiscal year 2024 budget.

A public hearing for a proposed Tama County Solar Ordinance was officially rescheduled for Tuesday, April 25, at 6 p.m. at the Toledo Reinig Center. A second public hearing for the proposed Solar Ordinance was set for Tuesday, May 9, at 6 pm, if the Reining Center is free.

Claims totaling $310,795.89 were approved.