WASHINGTON

Washington County’s secondary road use policy once again arose for discussion Tuesday, mainly regarding how the cost of an insurance policy affects special events held by non-profit groups.

In essence, the policy, approved in 2014, calls for the event sponsor to have liability insurance for the event, offering protection for the county, which owns the roads. Cost of such a limited policy has ranged from $25 to $50 and recently, depending on the event, as much as $600. The fees reflect the extent of coverage and the likely scope of the event.

For some community organizations, securing the insurance prevented the organization from being able to hold its event, said supervisor Jack Seward, Jr.

During the discussion it was noted that in some cases, the insurance is “overkill” and “over aggressive” for small organizations. Even more, it was noted that Washington County is one of few in Iowa who has such a strong policy regarding event insurance. Equally noted is that many counties have little to none.

While agreeing that the county’s policy needs modifying, the board also agreed it needed further information and review, especially regarding “hold harmless” provisions for the county, and will return to the issue.

In other business, the board unanimously approved construction of an anhydrous ammonia tank near the site of its current location. The company representative explained the tank is needed for storage supply and that the plan has met all the industry requirements, including notice to the public and copy of the minutes of Tuesday’s meeting when board approval was given.

Major county business involved unanimous approval of six resolutions covering disbursements, transfers and allocations; employee pay raises and employee step increases for fiscal 2024-25 all previously discussed and approved by all parties; and a transfer to Secondary Roads Fund of a sum not to exceed $243,583 with a total maximum of $2,761,342 for the fiscal year.

The board also unanimously approved a total of $40,263,430 in appropriations for county administrative services, county operations and maintenance, information technology GIS Services and non-departmental needs. Also approved were inter-departmental transfers to cover monthly charges including a designation for county facilities ($312,000), equipment purchase ($5,000), county aerials ($40,000) and Citizens Convenience Center ($5,250).

Also approved was disbursement of a total of $493,298 to support agencies with quarterly payments for eight, and one-time allocations for four contracted services including WEDG ($23,000), Workplace Learning Connection ($2,256), English River Watershed ($10,000) and annual ongoing for five years from 2024-28 for Washington YMCA ($2,000) and Humane Society Capital Project ($8,000). There was a one-time allocation to the EMA Siren Project ($30,000) and Domestic Violence Intervention ($2,000).

On personnel matters, the board accepted the termination of Susan K. Rich as General Assistant Director, effective June 28, who had announced her retirement early, and of Cynthia J. Anderson, general assistance/veterans affairs assistant, effective June 27.

Final business was approval of a permit for fireworks display by the Richmond Shooters at the Richmond AmVets site, effective from noon to 11 p.m. July 3. Supervisors also approved a secondary roads use permit.