PHOTO BY MICHAEL UP THE FLAG POLE DAVIS - The county supervisors were presented with a flag commemorating 250 years of the United States of America from the Iowa State Bar Association and Foundation. (L-R) Tama County Attorney Brent Heeren, Supervisor Heather Knebel, Supervisor David Turner, Supervisor Curt Kupka, Assistant Tama County Attorney Geneva Williams, and Supervisor Curt Hilmer.

This week’s Tama County Supervisors meeting started a little oddly. Chairman Mark Doland attended the meeting via the phone, hearing some static feedback on the call. Supervisor David Turner asked Doland if he had the radio on or anything. Chairman Doland responded with, “I’ve got nothing on.”

Tama County Economic Development Director Jake Buchanan then let out a chortle, which led to the filling with laughter. Supervisor Curt Hilmer smiled and told this reporter not to put it in the paper before musing on what might be written by saying, “Chairman Doland was not present, but he was driving with nothing on,” which led to more laughter.

One of the most notable events of the meeting was the supervisors being presented with a flag honoring the rule of law at America’s 250th anniversary. The flag was presented by Tama County Attorney Brent Heeren and Assistant Tama County Attorney Geneva Williams. The flag came from the Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa State Bar Foundation.

The supervisors also approved a 28E agreement with Benton County for the collection of Delinquent Court Obligations. With this, the Benton County Collection staff will assist Tama County in collecting court debts, and Tama will receive half of the money collected.

A 28E agreement for non-county EMS services was approved. This contract is with Belle Plaine, La Porte City, Gilman, Grundy Center, and Reinbeck. The agreement is for all parties to help each other out, and so the outside county EMS services can submit claims for reimbursement from the Tama County EMS Trust Fund.

Turner, fresh back from Sicily, read a statement listing his thoughts on the Tama County Public and Home Health situation. He stated he wanted more discussion and research into the subject. Turner stated that he would be talking to the head of Greenbelt Home Care out of Hardin County and would be reporting back.

Hilmer stated he thought they should move on, and not keep going back and forth. No action was taken.

The purchase of an additional right-of-way from the Melody J Davis Revocable Trust was approved.

The Veterans Affairs’ Quarterly Report was approved.

Liquor licenses for Fox Ridge Winery, The Traveling Tapster, and Lucky Wife Wine Slushies were approved.

Claims totaling $945,534.17 were approved.