The new, unofficial Tama County Board of Supervisors district map as presented to the board on Monday, Aug. 7. MAP IMAGE COURTESY OF THE TAMA COUNTY AUDITOR

TOLEDO – At last Monday’s meeting of the Tama County Board of Supervisors, the biggest topic was the new supervisors’ district map. The redistricting board has come up with an unofficial new map that splits Tama County into five districts instead of three. The board split the county into five separate zones with about 3,427 people in each.

Three public hearings will be held on the map before it will be sent to the state for approval. The three public hearings are set for Aug 21, 28, and Sept. 11. The redistricting board is made up of three appointed locals, Joe Boll, Mike Wentzien, and Richard Arp.

If approved, the new map will take effect following the November 2024 general election with the newly elected supervisors seated in January of 2025.

Other business

Supervisor Bill Faircloth announced the recipients of the years of service awards for 20 county employees.

Lisa Heitman with the Attorney’s Office, Neil Frizzell and Sheila Werner with the Sheriff’s Office, Tony Gropper with Secondary Roads, Melissa Massengale with Public Health, Robin Oaxaca, janitor, and Diane Kesl and Zachary Mann with 911 all have five years of service.

Supervisor Dan Anderson and Sheriff’s Deputy Ronald Pexa were awarded for 10 years of service.

Michelle Schroeder with the Auditor’s Office, Elizabeth Young with the Treasurer’s Office, and Julie Hoskey and Anne Bloomquist with 911 were awarded for 15 years of service.

Timothy Martens with Secondary Roads, Beth Eberle with Public Health, and Elizabeth Ledvina with Veterans Affairs/General Relief were awarded for 20 years of service.

Kerry Kucera with the Assessors Office was awarded for 25 years of service.

Ronda Burnes with the Attorney’s office was awarded for 30 years of service.

Kathryn Fehr with Public Health was awarded for 40 years of service.

The Tama County Engineer reported that employees will be attending motor grader training on Wednesday, Aug. 9. Some ditches are being dug and blades are out. The Deer Creek bridge in Toledo is forming up its deck. The Engineer will also possibly hire a part-time assistant.

The Supervisors approved the FY23-24 Tax Levy Rates.

The Supervisors also approved the hiring of a State Auditor to look at agreed-upon procedures.

The re-assignment of tax certificate 15-0227 to Nate Holven was approved. Holven will pay half the taxes owed in the amount of $871.50.

The Supervisors also appointed Jim Allen to the Conservation board.

Claims totaling $343,645.55 were approved.