County Seeks TAP Funding for Utica Avenue Trail Project

ALLISON – The Board of Supervisors moved through the Feb. 3 agenda, approving funding requests, advancing budget discussions for fiscal year 2027 and authorizing an application for a trail project near New Hartford.

Lisa Wetzel of the Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging outlined services provided to Butler County residents and requested county support equal to 3% of current expenditures, totaling $2,500. Butler County Soil and Water Conservation District commissioners Steve Koop and Tammy Brocka reviewed past expenses and asked the board to continue its $5,000 contribution.

Much of the meeting focused on preliminary FY27 budget workshops. County Attorney Dave Kuehner reported his office’s expenses would remain largely unchanged outside of salary adjustments and noted revenue generated from in-house collections. Auditor Leslie Groen discussed the creation of a new Mental Health Advocate budget, explaining that a portion of the General Assistance salary would shift to that line item. She also reviewed changes within the auditor’s budget, including salary updates and reduced mailing expenses.

Groen reported that the Elections budget would decrease by roughly $12,000 as previous equipment contracts conclude and fewer new equipment purchases are anticipated. Courthouse and maintenance budgets are also expected to drop, in part due to a $10,000 reduction in professional fees and the completion of specific maintenance projects in the current fiscal year. Additional discussions included county farm property taxes, sanitation costs, fair expenses, alcohol and drug recovery services, county insurance, capital projects tied to the 2025 bond issue and long-term debt obligations.

County Engineer John Riherd presented plans to seek Transportation Alternatives Program funding through the Iowa Northland Regional Transportation Authority for a potential trail project along Utica Avenue leading into New Hartford. Supervisors approved Resolution 17-2026, endorsing the county’s application and committing to maintain the project for at least 20 years if funding is awarded.

Riherd also revisited discussion of a county-owned property of less than one acre in the extreme southeast corner of Butler County after nearby residents inquired about purchasing the parcel. The engineer’s office will research the site and consult with the county attorney regarding any procedural requirements. He additionally provided updates on settlement matters related to burned bridge damages and a driveway material reimbursement.

Supervisors approved January claims including expenditures across multiple departments, information technology, secondary roads, public health, sheriff services and general relief, totaling approximately $320,000. The board also acknowledged receipt of several manure management short form plans from area livestock facilities.