(Greenfield, Iowa) – The Adair County Board of Supervisors, today (Wednesday), approved a hospital meal contract for inmates at the Adair County Jail. Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater said the last time there was an increase in the per meal fee was in 2019. The current fee is $7.50 per meal. The contract would allow a one-dollar per meal increase, or $8.50/meal.

In other business, the Adair County Supervisors received an annual Veteran’s Affairs Commissioner report from Administrator Gwen Johnston, who said her budget was “adequate,” and she thanked the Board for the funds they are willing to provide.

Johnston said also, as part of fulfilling a request from the Governor’s office to step-up awareness of Veterans’ suicides (Adair County has a very high suicide rate among veterans), she devised to get the word out that help is available for service members, past and present.

The Board heard from County Attorney Melissa Larson, and Adair County Treasurer Brenda Wallace, with regard to a Tax Abatement and a Resolution approving the abatement on a leased cell tower parcel. Brenda Wallace said that they are “Out of options” to collect on the delinquent taxes.

The total amount owed is $118,646, including the actual taxes amounting to $29,104. Due to changes in the law, the County can no longer collect on the property or assess the taxes, according to Melissa Larson. The cell tower is being assessed and paid for, but the property itself is unpaid. The Board approved the request and related Resolution. The move will help the County “Clean-up the books,” according to Supervisor Jodie Hoadley.

County Engineer Nick Kaufmann presented for the Board’s approval and Chair Nathan Baier’s signature, contracts for three projects: North 11 Lincoln Bridge (and a related performance bond); A right-of-way contract in the amount of $449.04, for the West 18 Harrison bridge; and a Contract Resolution to GovCo Construction for the North 27 Lincoln bridge project.

Kauffman also presented his weekly report on Adair County Secondary Roads Department activities and maintenance work.