Tama County Administration Building, 104 W State St., Toledo, Iowa. -- File photo

TOLEDO – This Monday morning, as birds chirped and squirrels dug up their hidden winter nuts, the regulars grouped inside the Supervisor’s meeting room. Before the regular meeting, County Engineer Ben Daleske stopped in to talk to the supervisors and ended up giving his report then. So when the usual meeting started, the supervisors jumped right into checking off agenda items. The main issue on this week’s agenda was the first public hearing for a new ordinance that would tighten up the rules during the supervisors’ public comment time. The change was brought to the board a few weeks ago by Tama County Human Resources Manager Tammy Wise, who said that versions of this ordinance are being put into effect in all 10 counties in the Heartland Insurance Risk Pool.

Several citizens made comments during the public hearing contending that the rules are redundant and oppressive. David W. Turner, a candidate for District Two Supervisor, read out a written statement about the new rules.

“It is too restrictive when it applies to public participation and limits the chairperson and board from exercising common sense, specifically in dealing with their interactions with the public,” he said. “I submit the proposed ordinance is a very good checklist. But it should be just that, a very good checklist.”

The second public hearing for the public comment ordinance is set for April 29 at 9:45 am. A public hearing for FY24 budget amendments was set for May 13 at 10 a.m. Fox Ridge Winery was approved for a liquor license, and claims totaling $518,618.79 were approved.