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

TOLEDO – Public comment policy was once again on the agenda during the Tama Co. Board of Supervisors July 10 meeting.

The policy was previously revised back on June 5 to cut ‘open topic’ time down to 15 minutes while also leaving an additional 15 minutes devoted to agenda-specific comments. The latest revision axes completely the open forum, only allowing comments on agenda items.

Multiple citizens in attendance commented on the proposed change, with all who spoke being opposed to the restriction of topics.

“Part of being in the United States is free speech,” citizen Nancy Smith said.

“You’ve had free speech for a year and a half,” Supervisor Dan Anderson responded.

The Supervisors voted 2-1 to approve the public comment policy change which will only allow comments on agenda items in future meetings. Supervisor Curt Hilmer was the lone no-vote.

Supervisor Anderson stated the change was discussed following the previous week’s board meeting and was a subsequent reaction to having been served a lawsuit by the LLC Tama County Against Turbines (TCAT) during that meeting.

“If the lawsuit wasn’t here, I wouldn’t have voted for that [policy change],” Anderson said.

When asked by citizen Richard Arp how individuals can address non-agenda issues with the supervisors going forward, Anderson responded that they can email or call any of the three supervisors.

“I’ll answer anyone’s phone call,” Anderson further stated.

Second District Supervisor, Chairman Bill Faircloth can be reached at 641-751-5356 or b_grandpa@yahoo.com; First District Supervisor, Vice-chairman Curt Hilmer can be reached at 319-939-3291 or curthilmer@gmail.com; Third District Supervisor Dan Anderson can be reached at 641-750-2430 or anderson4supervisor@hughes.net.

Other business

Katherine Ollendieck with Tama County Economic Development provided the supervisors with an update on the Tama-Toledo RAGBRAI preparations. Over 27,000 wristbands have already been issued, she shared, but volunteers are still needed for the event.

The Tama County Engineer reported crews have finished the X Avenue grading project and ditch cleaning. Shouldering trucks are currently out working on E66. The Toledo Bridge improvements continue to move forward with abutments needing to be poured on the west side, followed by beams getting placed. On K Avenue a Windstream line needs to be moved before removal of the bridge. On 230th Street the bridge has the beams set and crews will be working on placing the timber deck this week. The new shop is nearly finished and will have a walk-through by the end of this month with the contractor.

James Lacina from the Toledo area has been hired for the motor grader position in Traer.

Tama County Assessor Wes Ray was approved as the Interim Zoning Administrator.

The Homestead/Military Credit for 2023 Assessed was approved which increases the military tax exemption. The new exemption for claimants aged 65 years and older was also approved as part of the motion. Both changes are retroactive.

Chris Smith presented an offer and was approved for tax reassignment and abatement on two property certificates. The County Treasurer requested to remove tax suspension on a parcel due to having a new owner, which was approved. The Treasurer was authorized to deposit other Tama County department checks with the Lincoln Savings Bank.

Claims totaling $227,226.28 were approved.