(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, today (Tuesday), discussed and then acted on a motion to approve a request for funds from the Valley Business Park (VBP) to help the Anita Economic Development Corporation, with regard to their housing development project. Supervisor Mark O’Brien made the motion.

The project is expected to transform a former, currently dilapidated trailer park, into what was described during the Board’s meeting June 17th, as potentially “one of the best areas of town.” Two members of the non-profit Anita Economic Development Corporation (ADC) appeared before the Cass County Board of Supervisors during the meeting on June 17th, asking for a loan to make the project a reality. ADC representative Darrell Hockenberry said previously, they had acquired about 80-percent of the property intended for the construction of new homes. Hockenberry told the Board during their meeting today (Tuesday), that they don’t need the County to commit to the funds for another four-to six-months.

Cass County Supervisors mtg. 7-1-25

Before the Board’s vote, Supervisor Wendy Richter asked if the County could use funds from the sale of farmland instead of the VBP economic development fund.

During the June 17th meeting, Hockenberry said that they have a great deal of support for the project from the City of Anita, Anita Municipal Utilities and CADCO (Cass-Atlantic Development Corporation), which has agreed to provide a $100,000 interest-free loan. He said the County would likely get its money back within about two-years, or when the first constructed home is sold. The homes will be built with a crawlspace foundation and will include a detached two-car garage. Local builders will construct the homes. Hockenberry had previously asked the county if they would be interested in backing a loan of about $250,000 so the AEDC can place their order for two of the homes. He said “We’re not looking for a hand-out. We’re just looking for some help to fund the project.”

In other business, the Cass County Supervisors passed resolutions approving the contracts for two bridge projects. County Engineer Trent Wolken said bids for the bridges 73 and 133 projects were let last month.

Dixon Construction out of Correctionville was awarded the bridge projects in the amount of $837,106.10. Christensen Brothers from Cherokee was awarded the F-M road contract, in the amount of $669,706.50. Wolken then provided an update on Secondary Roads Department maintenance and activities. He mentioned work on County Road N-28 is 90-percent complete.

He said also, crews are working on the north abuttment to bridge 269 by the landfill. Three other bridges are in the design phase.

The Board approved issuing a County credit card to Deputy Assessor Stacy Huss. The card will have a $2,500 limit. And, they passed a resolution canceling outstanding warrants (those more than 1-year old). In a final order of business, the Board approved the Safety Manual, as recommended by the County Safety Committe.