(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors met this (Tuesday) morning at the courthouse in Atlantic, and adopted an amended Ordinance for the Veterans Emergency Assistance Program. Their action followed a public hearing, passage of the First Reading of the Ordinance, and waiving of the rules for a Second Reading. KJAN reported on the amendments last week.

The Board passed also, a Resolution “Terminating the Cass County, Cass-Audubon Border Economic Development, Urban Renewal Plan,” and Ending the CABEDA (Cass-Audubon-Economic Development [Urban Renewal] Area), also known as the Valley Business Park Urban Renewal Area (VBP-URA). On a related note, the Supervisors, after hearing a request from the Noble Initiative Foundation, passed a motion by Supervisor Steve Green, to provide $300,000 from the Valley Business Park funds, at a zero-percent interest rate for 18-months. Board Chair Steve Baier abstained due to a conflict of interest. The funds will be used for the construction of housing in a subdivision containing residential parcels, and known as the “Land of Oz,” near the Lakin Foundation Child Development Center.

Noble Initiative Foundation Board member Matt Leighton explained the request.

He said a considerable amount of TIF funds have been expended to make the area construction ready. Board Chair Baier said the County’s action is a “leap of faith” in the project.

Cass County BOS 9-16-25 (Zoom image)

In other business, the Board passed an Ordinance that repealed an ordinance providing for the Division of Taxes on taxable property in the VBP- URA. And, they passed a Resolution “Terminating the Cass County-Amaizing Energy Urban Renewal Area, along with the providing for the Division of Taxes (similar to the above).

The Cass County Supervisors approved a Cass County Segregation of Duties Policy, which Steve Green said is a necessary step in order for the County to receive grant monies. And, they approved a Federal Aid Agreement for a bridge project over Indian Creek, on Jasper Road. The project would replace a narrow concrete bridge built in 1955 with a twin box culvert, at a cost of approximately $650,000.

And, the Board approved the appointment of Amy Smith to fill a vacancy on the Cass County Local Food Policy Council. The term expires Dec. 31, 2026.