(Atlantic) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors held their regular weekly meeting Friday morning,in Atlantic, during which Cass County Engineer Trent Wolken reported the Secondary Roads Department is finished hauling contract rock for the fiscal year, they have received their first delivery of project pipe, and the new excavator has arrived and is at the shop to be prepped for use. In other business, the Supervisors voted to appoint Trevor Becker, of Cumberland, to fill a position on the Cass County Zoning Board of Adjustment. His term will conclude December 31^st, 2025.

Supervisor Steve Green discussed Cyber Security Services designed to protect the County’s digital infrastructure from hackers, ransomeware and malware attacks, in light of recent attacks on the State of Iowa’s software, and other government agencies around the country.

Thursday night, Green said, “The U-S Government got attacked through Microsoft e-mail.” Green says he spoke with the County’s insurance agent, Kip Harris, who warned “It’s not a matter of if [an attack will occur], it’s a matter of when.

The two-part service he spoke of about cost $16,570 per year. The Board approved an appropriation for the package, which includes the providers working with Microsoft for an enhanced license.

They also agreed to accept funds that will be made available through the American Rescue Plan Allocation. Across the country, the ARP will deliver $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency and bring back jobs. The funds may not be used to reduce property taxes, but are intended to provide substantial flexibility for each government to meet local needs—including support for households, small businesses, impacted industries, essential workers, and the communities hardest hit by the crisis. The funds can also be used to make necessary investments in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure.

The Board, Friday, passed a Resolution increasing operating transfers and amending expense appropriations for FY 2021, following a review of the FY 21 Cass County Budget. Auditor Dale Sunderman read the resolution as approved.

Cass County Emergency Management Director Mike Kennon reported to the Board the final allocation of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for law enforcement, first responders, public health, and the hospital and long-term care facilities, will be available for pickup by him in Council Bluffs this coming Tuesday.

The Board’s next meeting is 9-a.m. June 8^th.