The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday) discussed at length the matter of speed limits to and from the new Schildberg rock quarry located south/southwest of Atlantic (including a portion of 620th Street).  Two of the three county residents who attended last week’s Supervisor’s meeting, were present to learn what the county intends to do to try to mitigate the roadway safety issues associated with increased truck traffic to and from the quarry south of Atlantic. After considerable discussion, including a report from County Engineer Trent Wolken, who suggested a 45-mph speed limit on certain roads near the quarry, the Board’s consensus was to take action and establish a lower speed limit on the roadway designated as hauling routes (40 mph) and to place additional signage.  A resolution will be considered at next session.

Cass County Auditor Dale Sunderman reports the State allocation for Cass County from the CARES Fund was a maximum of $162,734.90 for COVID-19 related expenses.  On September 8th, the board adopted resolution to request reimbursement, subject to establishing the amount to be requested.  In a webinar on Sept. 9th, it was learned that the State is permitting the full allocation to be requested with the submission of the first claim.  The Board passed a resolution by Cass County to request reimbursement for eligible costs related to the COVID-19 public health emergency from the Iowa COVID-19 Government Relief Fund.

Sunderman also presented an Urban Renewal report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.  Local governments are required to complete and submit an annual report showing all TIF activity within each of their urban renewal areas during the preceding fiscal year..  Cass County had one active area: the 2017 Cass County Agribusiness Urban Renewal Area.  Sunderman reports $2.848-million of the original debt (bonds and loans) was outstanding as of July 1st, 2019.  The only interest was paid was in FY2020.  Collection of TIF revenues begin in FY21.  July 31, 2020 ending URA/TIF fund balances were a combined total of slightly less than $30,080.