Tama County Administration Building, 104 W State St., Toledo, Iowa. NEWS CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO

South Tama County Superintendent John Cain addressed the Tama County Board of Supervisors about options regarding the future of the old middle school building in Toledo during Monday morning’s regular weekly meeting.

Cain said he was there to gauge the county’s interest and offer tours after it was mentioned as a potential future jail site during a previous meeting. He hoped to work with the board and answer any questions in hopes of finding a mutually beneficial solution that will not require the school district to spend a large sum of money tearing it down.

According to Cain, an asbestos study is ongoing at the building. Sheriff Casey Schmidt referenced the previous conversation and said the idea of a jail had “gained some traction.”

“I’m not entirely sure what anything looks like as far as renovating that building to make it into another 100-year-old building, but obviously we had that conversation and it’s something we should talk about and see if it’s even feasible,” Schmidt said.

Supervisor David Turner told Cain he would like to see the entire structure for himself to assess it and was very interested in taking a tour, and fellow Supervisor Heather Knebel also said she would like to gather more information and explore options with the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce as part of their new economic development arrangement.

Cain pledged to check calendars and find a time that works for everyone while abiding by open meetings laws, and he noted that he had read about the jail suggestion in the newspaper and thought it may be an option worth pursuing.

“We will definitely get you as much information as we have and set up a tour date sooner than later,” Cain said.

Supervisor Curt Hilmer felt that as long as the building is “structurally fine,” it could be a viable option and save the county money as opposed to new construction. Cain wondered if the county would have any use for the gymnasium, which prompted a quip from Hilmer that Sheriff Schmidt could use some exercise, but he felt that it could still create useful space in one way or another.

Board Chairman Mark Doland stressed the need to ensure that the facility could comply with Iowa Code as a jail, and he also suggested that people like a mental health advocate, 911, emergency management and IT staff could use additional workspace. The supervisors did not take any official action but agreed to find a date for a tour soon.

In other business, the board:

-Approved the updated members of the Tama County Essential Services Advisory Council.

-Approved the Jan. 5 minutes as presented.

-Approved moving next week’s meeting to Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. due to the MLK Jr. Day holiday.

-Approved paying off a contract with Windstream for backup internet.

-Approved remaining budget funds for the zoning/weed department.

-Approved the zoning quarterly report, sheriff’s year end report and recorder’s quarterly report.

-Approved claims totaling $185,609.17.

-Rejected all bids for the county crop and pasture lands and subsequently moved to advertise for a one-year lease as opposed to three years.

-Approved the FY27 wages with no raises for non-union county employees both elected and non-elected.

-Approved an employment separation agreement with Tim Dolezal.