The Cass County Board of Supervisors today (Wednesday) approved an employment agreement with retired County Engineer Charles Marker, to serve as the temporary/interim County Engineer. The agreement calls for Marker to be paid $50 per hour on an as-needed basis, with the stipulation that he provide a monthly report on hours worked and services provided during those hours. Marker had previously served as the Cass County Engineer for 16-years before retiring in 2016.

In other business, the Board heard from Current County Engineer Rich Hansen, who provided an update on their various Fall construction projects, which are beginning to get wrapped-up. He said the centerline of the Lewis Road is painted and shoulders finished. The only thing left to do this Spring, is add the shoulder rumble strips. The shoulders are also finished on Olive Street, with the exception of safety rumble strips, and the railroad approaches. With regard to the railroad approaches, Hansen said the the railroad has been difficult to work with in getting a permit to work close enough to the tracks. So that work will be carried over to Spring, also.

And, work is wrapping up on the last box culvert under County Road G-35. The road should be open by today [Wednesday] or Monday morning at the latest. And, West Central Community Action (WCCA) Executive Director Wendy Mueller provided the Board with an annual report of services provided during Fiscal Year 2019, to Cass County residents. Mueller also asked for a County contribution of $4,000, which is the same as last year. The Board took the request under advisement and will act during budget time on approval.

She said 56% of the households served have an income below 100% of the Federal Poverty guidelines. 71% were on a monthly fixed income. 42% of the clients were between the ages of 18-and 54. WCCA provided numerous services to Cass County residents, including two Headstart classrooms in Atlantic, which served 32 children. One of the classrooms was in collaberation with the Atlantic Community School District. They also work with Child Care Resource and Referral to improve overall child care. Mueller said they offered the Senior Employment Program, with three participants. She said 450 households in Cass County received utility assistance through LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program).

In total over $1.3-million dollars in WCCA services were provided to the County in the last fiscal year.