IOWA CITY

A proposed expansion by the Iowa City Area Development (ICAD) group would directly benefit Lone Tree and other rural communities in Johnson County.

The proposal was heard by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors at its work session March 23.

Josh Busard, director of the county’s Planning, Development and Sustainability Department, proposed establishing a partnership with ICAD for rural-specific development and planning. The proposal, covering Fiscal Years 2023 and 2024, includes ICAD hiring a staff person to focus on rural areas.

“I’m excited and hopeful,” said Supervisor Jon Green, a former Lone Tree mayor. “With the pandemic, as difficult as this has been, it’s also shaken things up to open up some new opportunities. I’m damn excited to see how this goes because in Lone Trees and Oxfords and Shueyvilles, so often it’s a question of capacity when you’ve got folks who are basically volunteers and one or two city employees.”

The proposal calls for Johnson County to fund $106,000 for two fiscal years, beginning July 1, 2022. The new ICAD staffer’s annual salary would be about $78,000.

Supervisor Chair Royceann Porter said in a recent meeting with Lone Tree officials that they were unsure where to turn for answers.

“Lone Tree had a lot of needs and wants and didn’t know,” she said.

“As a former mayor,” Green said, “I can tell you it is overwhelming trying to identify and reach out to all of these different experts who have the ability to help.”

The proposal is expected to be voted on at this week’s formal session March 31.

At last week’s formal session, the board unanimously approved the FY 2023 budget of $156.8 million in expenditures and operating transfers. It includes $138.4 million in expenditures, which is down from this year’s budget adjustment of $142.3 million. The fiscal year begins July 1 and as the year goes on, adjustments are made to those spending numbers.

The budget includes $3.5 million for road construction and nearly $1 million for rural libraries, including Lone Tree Community Library. Three ambulance staffers were among the more than 11 new full-time employees planned for 2023.

Property taxes are scheduled to bring in $62.7 million, a decrease of almost $100,000 from the current fiscal year. The county tax levy rate is decreasing in both urban and rural areas. County taxes do not include city taxes or school taxes.

Also approved by the supervisors, and included in the budget, were pay increases for the five county supervisors and other elected officials. Supervisors received a raise of 2.25% and elected officials received a 4.42% raise.

Sheriff Brad Kunkel tops the list with an annual salary of $176,656. Supervisors will each receive $92,558.

The board also approved an increase of the suggested minimum wage in Johnson County to $11.56 per hour, beginning July 1. The current minimum is $10.75 per hour. The minimum wage is only suggestive because state law prohibits local counties from enforcing a minimum wage.

The board received two applications for fireworks permits, including one for the annual Pyrotechnics Guild International safety class being hosted by Andy Neuzil and the Stumptown Shooters on April 30 between Riverside and Lone Tree. Following the safety class, a fireworks display will commence at 8 p.m. off River Junction Road.

“It’s a good free show for anybody who wants to see one,” said Mike Hensch, executive director of the board.

The board will hold its next formal meeting at 9 a.m. March 31.