(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Tuesday), discussed for a little more than an hour with numerous members of the public in attendance, a proposed lease agreement for the Willow Heights building owned by the County. During the Board’s meeting last week, Supervisor Steve Baier mentioned there was an organization that was willing to sign a lease for the facility, that would potentially be used as a new addiction treatment center for persons who voluntarily commit themselves, or who are court-ordered to rehab.

It would not, according to Board Chair Steve Baier, be used for persons who have committed serious crimes. Supervisor Wendy Richter stressed the facility would not be used for persons with mental health issues. The facility would initially serve 10, but no more than 40 clients at any given time. The Willow Heights building previously served people who have a mental or intellectual disability, substance abuse or other disabling condition. It had been in operation since 1886, but was closed due to federal and State requirements. During the Public Comment part of the meeting this (Tuesday) morning, Megan Freund spoke with regard to questions she has about safety concerns over the facility being used as a mental health treatment center.

Supervisor Steve Green said he discussed with the potential administrator of the new facility, security precautions and response to issues that may occur.

Chairman Baier summarized some of the concerns by members of the public about the facility.

Baier said those questions need to be answered by the organization who wishes to use the building, before any further action should be taken on the final version of a lease agreement. Therefore no action was taken at this time. And, following-up on discussion from a Special Meeting last week and earlier, the Board acted unanimously to pass a resolution to contribute $2.5-million toward the 300-child capacity, Vision Atlantic Child Development Center project.

Board Chair Steve Baier…

Last June (2025), the Cass County Board of Supervisors also approved earmarking $150,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for Vision Atlantic, specifically to help with costs for the child care center. In other business, the Supervisors set Oct. 21st beginning at 9:30-a.m., 9:35-a.m., as the date and respective times for Public Hearings on vacating the following sections of roadways in Cass County: Keystone Road between 610 and 620th Streets; Jasper Road on the north line of the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of Section 19 in Washington Township.

And, they approved establishing a resolution vacating an untraveled portion of Buck Creek Road in the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 30 in Pymosa Township.