Meetings currently on this page are: April 14 through Oct 5 2026.
The purpose of this page is to be able to search across many meetings at a time to find a specific item from a meeting.
Use a person’s name, keyword, or topic to find every occurrence in the index. Timestamps are hyperlinked on this page to take you directly to that spot in the YouTube video. This index only includes the timestamps added by The Madison Report in the descriptions of the videos. YouTube also provides an AI generated transcript within the videos for additional search options. For elected officials, for consistency, we standardly use last names (or first and last) so you can search on Brant, Swanson, Stancil, Fitch, Hobbs, Barnes, Barber and Macumber. For others, we use first and last names when we are able to.
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April 14, 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/8rhax0Q52qE
Timestamp Index
0:00 Call to Order
0:48 Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
4:20 Call to order
5:20 Approval of consent agenda
5:44 Department head reports and discuss discussion
6:00 Mike Hackett, secondary roads
15:00 Michelle Brandt, auditor
30:30 Public comment
31:04 Joel Welchel
32:00 Sherry Young, Madison County Medical Examiner
34:30 “Reverend Dr.” Steve Swanson, Madison County Attorney
37:57 Pat Navin
38:40 Doug Jurgens
42:50 Resolutions for board consideration and application
47:00 Board member reports
47:00 Supervisor Fitch
47:56 Supervisor Hobbs
49:30 Supervisor Stancil
51:30 Old business
53:20 Discussion of new building manager position
59:10 Security camera quotes
1:06:00 New business – meeting decorum – updating BOS meeting policy
1:16:00 2026 priorities, ordinance review and update
1:17:00 Meeting adjourned
April 21 2026 Final Public Hearing for FY2027 Budget
YouTube: https://youtu.be/2mp9KGF8ego
Timestamp Index
0:00 Call to order
0:44 Board approves the agenda and opens the public hearing on the FY2027 county budget.
1:25 Auditor presents the FY2027 budget, including projected revenues, expenditures and property-tax levies.
3:48 Debt service and notes that the Dome, Annex and E911 radio project debt will have approximately one year remaining.
4:59 Revenue sources and major expenditure categories are reviewed, including roads, public safety, administration and capital projects.
8:02 Auditor reviews property valuations, fund balances and the county’s financial position.
9:40 FY2026-to-FY2027 departmental budget changes are discussed, including several significant percentage changes and explanations for some of the larger swings.
14:14 Elected-official compensation and the Compensation Board process are reviewed.
14:58 Increase in employee health-insurance premiums and the portion absorbed by the county.
15:58 Why projected revenues and expenditures do not necessarily match, including the carry-forward of previously budgeted projects.
17:40 Proposed state legislation that could limit county cash reserves.
18:27 Public comment period opens.
19:20 No public comments are received.
19:57 Board exits the public hearing and confirms there are no written comments.
20:13 Motion to adjourn is approved; meeting concludes at approximately 6:20 p.m.
April 28 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/8qssFozDE_s
Timestamp Index
0:00 Call to order
0:20 Explanation of meeting scheduled misprint
0:55 Invocation
2:12 Pledge of Allegiance
2:30 Review of agenda
2:50 Tabling of Summit contract resolution
4:35 Consent Agenda – supervisor Hobbs notes errors in minutes from several past meetings discussion follows
4:20 Approval of agenda
7:35 Consent agenda
7:45 Department Head reports
14:50 Thaddeus Smith, Veterans Affairs – petition to save the public health building received and filed
15:40 Mitch Johnson, Emergency Management Director
33:35 Chip See, Head Custodian Building and Grounds – new Annex doors install installed
37:50 Michele Brant, Auditor
38:30 Budget update
40:18 question of outside council for contract signing policy
41:20 building manager under review used outside council
43:18 IT liaison and role of the Auditor
44:20 Payroll question – was there malfeasance?
49:00 Request from Stancil to get all names of affected payroll
50:58 Camera server bids
51:50 Auditor Brant concerns regarding bids
56:40 Auditor Brant doesn’t believe that Summit is the better choice based on the numbers
59:30 Accusation against Auditor Department, releasing personal information of Rex Stancil health issues
1:04:31 Public Hearings – Patterson Hills subdivision
1:16:30 J5 subdivision
1:22:20 Binns subdivision
1:28:00 Presentations – Executive Director Ryan Marquadt, Madison County Development Group
1:33:00 Jane Rosien, presentation of commemorative flag representing 250 years of the Iowa State Bar Association
1:39:35 Public Comment
1:43:11 Sherri Young
1:48:50 Leslie Beck
1:46:36 Dr. Reverend County Attorney, Steve Swanson
1:47:50 Racheal Terhaar
1:48:58 Laura Silverthorn
1:52:19 EMS raise approved
1:52:45 Approval of Law Day 250th birthday
1:53:20 Approving organization resolution for credit card program, adding L. Greenman.
1:53:40 Approving S. Aiken as part-time Auditor clerk at $23.20 effective 7–1 2026
2:01:40 Approving VPN access for certain County employees through 31 July 2026
2:02:06 Approving FY27 budget (includes outsourcing custodial services)
2:04:06 Approving rule number 15 for the BS meetings, rules and procedures, addressing disruptions removal and trespass – tabled
Resolution, approving Summit Technologies to replace courthouse camera server is tabled
2:13:52 Approving first deputy treasurer Erin Stanton authorization to financial institutions
2:14:05 Approving Patterson Hills subdivision
2:16:25 Approving J5 subdivision
2:16:40 Approving Binns subdivision
2:17:00 Board reports – Supervisor Hobbs
2:19:00 – County Attorney Steve Swanson has argument with Supervisor Hobbs
2:19:45 Supervisor Fitch
2:23:42 Supervisor Stancil
2:30:00 Elderly Services Building Report
2:38:30 Building manager job description – discussion only
2:41:50 Public Health/VA timeline for sale of building
2:54:00 Meeting decorum is tabled
2:54:16 FY23 FY24 Audit and Y27 budget
2:54:25 New Business – discuss moratorium on DATA centers
3:03:15 Discuss Solutions requested amendment to contract to designate main contact for FOIA and other matters
3:16:05 Ordinance review and update
3:18:30 Meeting is adjourned
May 5 2026 Special Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/PR2zeUJpLcA
9:50 – Elderly Services Building – IAQ Report and RFPs; Disposal of items not wanted
33:00 – Disagreement ongoing; discussion of moving offices around
46:55 – Treasurer Barber talks off camera, then Recorder Macumber talks off camera.
1:17:10 – Board Policies for Decorum – some discussion of profanity
1:23:00 – Tempers rise
1:24:54 Job Descriptions for new position – discussion, includes custodial
1:44:10 – Authorized Representative for Directed Services with Solutions
1:58:58 – County Contract Signing Policy
2:02:00 – Treasurer Kylee Barber has concerns about the policy
May 12 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/7J0LW0CfEEk
Timestamp Index
0:00 – Invocation – Ben Funkhouser
1:00 Pledge of Allegiance
1:23 Roll call – Supervisor Hobbs joining by telephone due to a family emergency. Discussion to move items to a future meeting.
3:24 Supervisor Fitch says “I’m not for this“
3:50 Supervisor Hobbs says go ahead through the entire agenda “I don’t want special treatment”
4:20 Vote to move all non-action items to future meeting. Supervisor Fitch and Hobbs “nay” to postponing.
4:48 Consent Agenda is discussed – adding resolution SPV – 051226G
6:38 Motion to approve new agenda
8:05 Public Comment
8:45 Sherri Young – Madison County Medical Examiner Investigator
10:13 Chris Roberts
10:45 Vicky Brenner
14:26 FOR RESOLUTIONS FOR BOARD CONSIDERATION – AO – 051-226A Public Hearing date for budget amendment moved to May 26, 2026
15:45 HR – 051226A Resolution to approve Sara Akin as part-time auditor to – job description discussion – much discussion
23:40 SPV – 0512268 Approving new position of building operations manager
24:28 SPV – 051226B approving setting public hearing for prohibition of data centers and battery storage
28:25 Motion to amend the resolution to read moratorium instead of prohibiting
29:47 SPV – 051226C contract approval and review policy
30:19 SPV – 051226D approving letting the RFP for mold, remediation and indoor quality corrective work
30:42 SPV – 051226E approving conditions of use for elderly services parking lot
33:33 SPV – 051226F approving adopting new rule number 15 to the BOS meetings policy and procedures – decorum
34:54 SR – 05 2268 approving temporary closure of 328th St. for culvert replacement
35:22 SR – 051226B approving temporary closure of 120th St. for culvert replacement
35:43 SR – 051226C approving Secondary Roads compensation plan/policy for FY27
36:04 SR – 051226D approving Secondary Roads job position descriptions effective 01 July 2026
38:35 SR – 051226E approving Secondary Roads organizational structure effective 01 July 2026
38:52 SR – 051226 approving Secondary Roads job classification by grade and initial step and pay plan by grade and step
38:12 SR – 051226G approving pay adjustments for union contract employees effective 01 July 2026
39:30 SR – 051-2268 approving pay adjustments for non-union contracted employees effective 01 July 2026
39:50 SR – 051226I approving R Cunningham full-time truck driver at $27.23/hour effective 18 May 2026
40:14 Motion to approve application for use of Madison County grounds for reading of declaration of independence on Friday 19, June 2026
47:20 Motion approving application for youth of Madison County grounds for Iowa works Madison County mobile workforce center on 21 May 2026
47:48 Motion to approve application for temporary liquor and wine license for Dream.Risk.Create
48:13 Motion to approve an annual renewal of liquor and wine license for Covered Bridges Winery
49:00 New Business – camera server upgrade, status and direction, RFP/RFQ procurement process and procedure policy – both table for now
49:45 Work session regarding relocation of VA office scheduled for May 18, 2026 at 8:00 AM
51:29 Ordinance review an update is postponed due to Ryan Marquette not being present at meeting
52:12 Adjourned
May 22 2026 Special Meeting Board of Supervisors – VA (Veterans Affairs) Move
YouTube: https://youtu.be/H5uLgkRbRXk
Timestamp Index:
0:00 Approval of agenda.
Public Comment
0:55 Vicky Brenner.
4:37 Sherri Young.
6:06 Laura Silverthorn. (on the phone)
Resolutions
7:03 Approving corrected RFP for Mold Remediation / Indoor Air Quality Corrective Work.
– Wrong RFP was included in the board packet.
– Correct version had already been posted to the county website and RFP site.
– Resolution approved to correct the official record.
8:12 Approving new hearing date for FY26 Budget Amendment #2.
– Hearing rescheduled to May 29
8:56 Approving updated contract with Reliable Maintenance.
– Effective date corrected to June 1, 2026.
– Company agreed to use the county’s existing custodial supplies until exhausted to reduce costs.
– Discussion about contract length and termination clause.
– Supervisors stated the contract can be terminated with 60 days’ written notice and no penalty.
12:31 PrudentRx discussion.
– Board reviewed potential prescription savings program.
– Concern expressed that some medications without copay assistance could increase costs to employees.
– Consensus was not to implement the program at this time.
– Will review the program again annually.
14:06 Veterans Affairs office relocation discussion.
– Thaddeus Smith, Madison County Veterans Affairs Director, requested remaining in the Public Health Building until renovations at the Elderly Services Building are complete to avoid moving twice.
– Smith reviewed pros and cons of the courthouse, annex and ambulance garage as permanent locations.
– Ambulance garage remained his preferred long-term location due to parking, accessibility, meeting space and storage.
– Courthouse discussed as the preferred temporary location if a move becomes necessary before renovations are complete.
21:50 Jess Hobbs provides Elderly Services renovation update.
– Three contractors completed walkthroughs for mold remediation.
– Contents removed from building; outdated COVID and tornado supplies discarded.
– Contractors recommended setting aside a contingency for unforeseen remediation work.
– Hobbs said testing found elevated mold levels but no dangerous molds such as black mold.
25:00 HVAC discussion.
– Existing furnace dates to 2008 and has not been properly maintained.
– Hobbs recommended replacing the furnace and ductwork rather than cleaning the existing system.
– Board discussed renovation costs and funding options.
≈26:30 Renovation planning continues.
– Discussion of office layout, warehouse space, walls, restrooms and restoration work.
– Board continued evaluating options for relocating Veterans Affairs after renovations are complete.
May 26 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/lBamaLm-kVc
Timestamp Index
0:00
3:10 – Mike Hacket – Secondary Roads Engineer
7:20– Brady Foreman – Ambulance Director
11:10 – Mitch Johnson – Emergency Management Director
18:46– Chip See – Building & Grounds.
Includes discussion of Elderly Services building and old EMS garage roof bids
24:40– Public Hearing – Ordinance related to Data Centers
Public Hearing Comments: Amanda McClanahan, Ryan Marquardt, Josh Firle
36:08 – Public Hearing – Ordinance regarding Battery Energy Storage Systems
Public Hearing Comments: Josh Haynes
Public Comments:
39:36 – Jayci Kuhn
41:40 – Vicky Brenner
44:05 – Sandy Dawdy
45:27 – Ryan Marquardt, Madison County Development Group
49:40 – Nancy Forest
50:55 – Betsy Breeding
52:00 – Kylee Barber, County Treasurer
55:42 – Leslie Beck
59:05 – First reading of Data Center moratorium ordinance unanimously approved, 2nd & 3rd readings waived.
1:05:50 – First reading of Battery Energy Storage Systems moratorium ordinance unanimously approved, 2nd & 3rd readings waived
1:07:45 – Technology (Solutions) resolutions, request to add amended language to existing FY26 contract & FY27 renewal, 2 of 3 approved, one tabled for further consideration (Diane voted nay on all)
1:19:33 – Temporary closure of Pammel Park Road for pavement patch
1:19:45 – Hiring E. Luke as full-time Equipment Operator ($28.29/hr effective June 1)
1:20:00 – Temporary closure of Adair-Madison Avenue for culvert replacement
1:20:20 – Diane Fitch report, opened courthouse on Saturday for children’s tour
1:20:30 – Jessica Hobbs report, elderly services building clean-out & remediation bid update
~1:22:06 – Heather Stancil report, various meetings
1:22:45 – FY23/FY24 Audit, can’t update until it is actually public
1:23:00 – Courthouse Camera server upgrade status and direction, going back out to RFQ again, specifying same type of equipment. Concerns with existing courthouse vendor, Auditor providing assistance to that same vendor during previous RFQ
1:31:45– RFP/RFQ procurement process and procedure policy discussion
1:35:45 – New HHS office location / possible move date, they prefer to be in courthouse.
1:39:00– Auction process/date for sale of Public Health building, concern about FY27 budget not allowing for operational costs currently
1:40:40 Old Conservation building auctions sale not successful, wants to now use a realtor to sell. BOS requests legal confirmation that this is ok
1:47:20 – Discussion of Auditor Clerk II position; possible reconsideration of prior action. Reviewed difference between this position and Clerk I position (union)
1:53:30 – Ordinance Review Project status
May 29 2026 Special Meeting: Public Hearing – Budget Amendment #2 for FY26
YouTube: https://youtu.be/SOsA5iAX_cg
SPV052926A Approving Budget Amendment #2 for FY2026.
Budget Amendment Overview: County officials reviewed proposed FY2026 budget amendments across multiple departments. Changes included reallocations within the Sheriff’s Office, updated year-to-date expenses for Ambulance Services, higher-than-budgeted Medical Examiner costs, Conservation funding to be reimbursed from reserves, election staffing adjustments in the Auditor’s Office, Treasurer training expenses related to staff turnover, and Building & Grounds costs for custodial outsourcing and staffing transitions. Overall, the amendment increases county expenditures by $153,001.
Public Comment:
9:30 Vicky Brenner
15:04 Amendment vote (passes 3-0)
June 4 2026 Closed Meeting – Board of Supervisors
YouTube: https://youtu.be/UkVsorJHnPA
This video is of the open parts before and after the closed meeting.
0:22 Agenda approval – Supervisors Stancil and Hobbs – Yay, Supervisor Fitch – Nay
0:54 Motion to enter into closed session, Supervisor Fitch is a Nay
1:10 Auditor Brant would like to designate a clerk for the meeting for the closed session
1:22 Supervisor Stancil designates clerk, Emily Strong
1:58 County Attorney Swanson voices concerns
2:40 Supervisor Fitch expresses she’s uncomfortable with the three issues – believes they should be separate meetings
3:13 CA Swanson voices more concerns
3:22 Supervisor Fitch expresses personal feelings regarding “protecting the people”
3:36 Roll call vote – everyone is asked to leave to go into closed session
4:15 Back in open session
4:26 Motions for board action
a. Motion for outside counsel to proceed in the current IPIB complaint matter in the manner as was discussed in closed session;
b. Motion for outside counsel to proceed in the imminent litigation matter involving the county auditor in the manner as was discussed in closed session;
c. Motion for outside counsel to proceed in the pending litigation matter brought by the county auditor in the manner as was discussed in closed session.
June 9 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/IevDlMR8bcA
Timestamp Index
0:00 – Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and Call to Order
2:43 – Consent Agenda
* Approved consent agenda
* Fitch does not agree with payment to Belin McCormick due to lack of funds
* Motion failed 2-1
4:28 – Mike Hackett – Secondary Roads Report
10:04 – Chip See – Building and Grounds Report
18:32 – Michele Brant – Auditor’s Report
19:37 – Mauldlin & Jenkins withdrawal bid for audit
Public Comment
24:09 – Mike Fletcher
25:53 – Joel Welch
27:27 – Mary Lou Witt
29:25 – Pat Navin
29:44 – Vicky Brenner
33:16 – Susan Mrzena
35:43 – Sherri Young
38:38 – Wendy Frost
41:30 – Doug Jurgens
44:59 – County Attorney Stephen Swanson
* PSA to warn against drunk driving and smoking weed
46:08 – Nick Scar
47:00 – Elections Deputy Mikayla Simpson
* Forwarded emails from personal lawsuits to Board
* Matt Schwarz
48:38 – Becky Knight
50:02 – Kevin Charter
Resolutions for Board Consideration
54:33 – Partial Property Tax Exemption
Approved unanimously
55:53 – Belin McCormick invoices
Approved 2-1
56:33 – Southern Iowa Council of Governments (SICOG) grant writer participation
Approved unanimously
57:43 – Bridge No. 8B-530-485 closure for inspection
Approved unanimously
58:08 – Board Reports
58:08 – Jess Hobbs
1:02:22 – Diane Fitch
1:02:58 – Heather Stancil
28E with Warren ending, State making changes to program
1:08:18 – Old Business
All old business moved to next Tuesday meeting
1:11:18 – Heather Stancil
Background check on Swanson was done and came back clean
Happened before Teri and Jess were elected
Background checks not required for elected officials to take office
1:12:52 – Swanson interrupts – out of order
1:13:08 – Heather Stancil – AG told BOS Swanson should have disclosed arrest on application
1:14:08 – Bids for remediation
Rainbow and PuroClean
1:19:38 – Primary Election June 2026 Canvass
1:20:48 – Mikayla Simpson – Record turnout in the primary
1:32:58 – Adjourned
June 9 2026 Madison County Handbook Worksession Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/MUIx7fVoLbE
Full unedited video of handbook meeting (highlights are here: https://youtu.be/KVKOKmJ7oD0)
Timestamps:
1:37 General employment
2:49 Exempt employees hours
5:10 Flex time
6:15 Auditor Brand questions about comp time
6:38 Mike Hackett, Secondary roads
8:05 Snowstorm discussion
9:13 Time cards
11:00 Nursing mom’s policy -odd/contentious discussion with Board members and Swanson – Swanson indicates that it’s not an issue for his office
19:00 Employee dress code
21:10 Fitch comments that there are cleavage issues while people are voting
20 00 Background checks for existing employees
26:30 Retirement/termination of employment
27:00 Comp time
31:15 Rehire status
32:20 County Treasurer Kylee Barber – frustrated that salaried don’t get OT/comp time
36:20 Medical leave
38:00 Gender identity protected at federal level so needs to be added back in
38:33 Respectful work environment policy
38:55 Sexual harassment policy
40:25 Confidentiality
41:15 Health insurance
43:10 Open records policy
45:00 Nepotism/anti-fraternization issues – contentious conversation between Swanson and Hobbs
48:30 No smoking/no vaping policy
51:00 County vehicle policy
53:45 Record retention policy
57:00 Countywide emails
57:52 Search policy
59:10 Drug and alcohol substance/abuse policy
1:00:00 Discussion about how county employees are to notify employer in a timely manner if they are in jail. It was suggested to use their one phone call; Stancil mentions that’s probably for their attorney; Hobbs suggests that “if they’re just calling their boss to bail them out of jail that solves that then”
1:07:35 – Smoking policy
1:11:20 – Political activity policy
1:12:50 – Notification of arrests/citations
1:18:52 – Use of personal cell phones
1:19:37 – Social media policy
* County FB pages should be tied to a county email address; however county emails are at max
1:25:45 – Background checks
* One Source is company that does the county background checks
1:32:20 – Telecommuting
1:35:25 – Overtime / Flextime / Comp Time
1:37:20 – Wage complaint policy
1:37:45 – Mileage rate
1:38:40 – Short-term disability
1:39:00 – Workman’s Comp / FMLA
1:43:55 – Vacation
1:52:15 – Military leave
1:53:00 – Termination policy
1:53:45 – Sick leave policy / FMLA
1:54:55 – Policy when county closes due to weather
1:58:00 – County employees attending meetings
2:04:20 – Cell phone policy
2:05:00 – Accident reporting procedure
June 16 2026 Special Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/vhXT79r61fM
Timestamp Index:
0:00
1:12 – Public Comment
1:45 – Sherri Young
4:30 – Doug Jurgens
8:40 – Resolution approving replacement of condensing unit at the Annex by Excel Mechanical Co.
* Passed
9:05 – Resolution approving and awarding contract for mold remediation – died
15:25 – Resolution approving sale of the Conservation Building via sealed bid
* Tabled
* Discussion of funds available with Auditor Michele Brant
22:48 – Furnace replacement and ductwork at the Elderly Services Building
23:55 – Sale of Conservation Building
* Wll be sold by sealed bids
* $190,000 minimum
* July 28 opening of bids at Board meeting
28:48 – Contract Procurement Policy
* For departments who report to the Board of Supervisors
* Discussed $5,000 threshold
34:25 – RFQ for camera servers
* Discussed Digital Watchdog
38:40 – Fitch asks Stancil why it is coming to her and not the Auditor. Stancil responds that in the past there was coordination with one of the vendors and the Auditor’s office.
40:10 – FY23 & FY24 Audits / FY27 Budget – Stancil discussed delay in release of FY23 audit – Clifton and Kaster signed off on it in Dec 2024 but DeVos did not (and was then arrested in late January 2025)
41:40 –Item on audit – it was suggested by state auditor to refer it to legal (this is in regard to construction in the Auditor Kaster office that was done by Deputy Clayton Allen)
43:15 – Stancil discussed FY24 audit
~44:30 – FY25 / FY27 Budget discussion
* Where to go now since Maudlin & Jenkins pulled out
* Stancil suggested forensic audit and issuing an RFP
* Brant will be the contact
59:20 – Board discussed having a work session to address items found in FY23 and FY24 audits – July 14 @ 3:00 p.m.
1:04:40 – Treasurer Kylee Barber gave report – The Treasurer’s Office is still months behind on reconciliation because of duplicate/triple warrants, year-end problems, software problems, and a large batch of incorrectly generated claims. Barber says she has been working through the backlog but is now stuck at November 14. The Board wants the problem resolved and is willing to spend money to get additional expertise/help. They plan to proceed with both the regular FY25 audit and a separate forensic audit while trying not to interfere with the Treasurer’s reconciliation work.
1:26:00 – Michele Brant speaks briefly in response to Barber’s report
1:27:50 – Brant: “stop it”
~1:28:15 – Board wrap-up discussion on future actions
* Discussion about Solutions amendment
* Desire to have a single point of contact for requests
June 23 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/2ATg-BnrapQ
Timestamp Index
0:00 Invocation and Pledge Of Allegiance
3:00 Question about invoice for fiscal audit, the cost per hour was first 35% and now 40% higher than the state auditor’s initial fee.
5:52 Motion to approve the consent agenda sans state auditors bill.
Department Head Reports
6:33 Mike Hackett – County Roads Supervisor
13:33 Michelle Brant – County Auditor: budget process, tax process, interfund transfers, budget worksheets for courthouse repair, etc.
22:00 Election Deputy salary: Legal advice differs from what Brant want to do. Stancil and Hobbs not comfortable ignoring legal advice given by Ahlers& Cooney. Lots of back and forth here about what to do.
Public Hearings
27:45 Hog Heaven zoning review Ryan Hobart from zoning board reports and recommends pending City of Winterset approval. No public comment.
34:40 Buck Haven West subdivision (Ryan from zoning board reports and recommends for approval). No public comment.
Public Comment
44:06 Marisa Schneider
46:00 Mary Lou Witt
49:41 County Attorney Stephen Swanson references 1995 and Alanis Morissette’s song “Ironic.” Compares the Board wanting more details on the State Auditor bill to the Board not providing more detail on the legal council bill. (Editorial Note: The Board in the past has indicated they can’t provide additional details on the legal council bill that would compromise confidentiality).
50:40 Isaac Tessmer
53:32 Treasurer Kylee Barber: (quoted here since it was difficult to accurately summarize) “I’m grumpy today. You’re not going to see the positive part of me. I’m sure y’all noticed that right off the bat. Uh, I just want to say, when you guys are talking to the state auditors, all you people out there, all of us, all of our county members, whatever—have any of you ever come and talk to the Treasurer? Have any of you ever come and talk to the Auditor? Do you know anything? Do you know how it works?”
[interruption]
“Sometimes I feel like people think they know what goes on, and people don’t. And I mean that in the most respectful way when I say that. I really, truly do. But you don’t know how long it takes. You don’t know the work behind it. You don’t know the stories, the everything behind it. You don’t. And nobody has come into my office and asked me. Anything. I don’t know if anyone’s come into your office.
You know, here’s the thing. I just want to ask—again, Brandy, the Auditor, elected heads—for some reason we’re hated this year because we get a 0% raise. I mean, we get negative. You guys realize that? I get negative because of insurance.
I’m doing more work and sorting out this mess, and I can explain to you what the auditors mean. If you come to my office, I’ll explain it. But I get negative.
But because I love Madison County, I’m going to do it because I truly love this county. But I’m just tired. I’m tired of people assuming things. I’m tired of people thinking that they know things when they don’t.
So come in and ask. Talk to the right people. Stop looking at all the media. Stop looking at Facebook, Rants and Raves. Actually go to the people that might actually know something.”
56:38 Nicholas Scar: Asked Supervisor Diane Fitch if she has recorded Board of Supervisor closed meeting sessions. Fitch did not respond. Scar played a recording of Fitch and Brant allegedly discussing that a recorder was found during a closed session meeting. Scar provided the audio to The Madison Report which we have linked here. https://youtu.be/o1-6cUwFxWk
1:00:57 Joel Welchel
Presentations To The Board of Supervisors
1:02:54 Ryan Marquardt – Madison Development Group report, TIF future and potential abuse, no incentive for recipients to cash out, state legislature will probably act to amend.
Board Resolutions
1:10:35 Sheriff’s wage adjustment
1:11:32 Fiscal budget appropriations – discussion about how to handle Elections Deputy raise. Disagreement between Brant and Board members.
1:19:14 Approve I-Cap renewal
1:25:00 Approve Elderly Services Renovation; roof replacement, HVAC replacement
1:40:49 Approved security camera server upgrade
1:43:40 Approved 2025 annual and forensic audit (Fitch Nay)
1:44:47 Approved procurement policy (Fitch Nay)
1:46:57 Approved pay adjustment for several Road Dept. employees
1:48:00 Approve Hog Heaven, then vote was rescinded after comment by Hobart, then re-approved subject to approval letter from the City Of Winterset.
1:48:58 Approved Buck Haven West subdivision
Board Reports
1:49:14 Diane Fitch
1:49:55 Jess Hobbs; 1:50:27 Hobbs stated she found it ironic, referring to the detailed outside legal council bill given that the county attorney provides no data to citizens when responding to open records requests.
1:51:20 Heather Stancil, discussed surety bond on courthouse ramp wall, will wait for secondary inspection to determine current damage and repair after receiving more data.
Adjourn Meeting
June 30 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/STqwdYJyMXw
Timestamp Index:
0:00 Call to order – Agenda amended to discussion about RFP questions
Public comment
3:48 Sherri Young – Madison County Medical Examiner Investigator
4:40 Doug Jurgens
8:31 Discussion – Solutions amendment to contract
10:55 Dept. heads have been requested to review amendment and redline possible conflicts and to express concerns to BOS.
11:15 Brant objects, wants one point of contact for Solutions for special requests and not BOS
12:42 public disrupts meeting, Brant claims BOS has no right to have view access of the budget with vendor in order to monitor budget status (note: there is nothing in Iowa Code that prohibits this)
14:00 Jurgens disrupts meeting, Stancil requests him to stop
14:08 Jurgens and Brenner disrupt meeting, followed by others, difficult to hear board
15:35 Brant requests that Stancil explain herself, disagrees that board members should have right to ask a vendor questions
16:04 public disrupts again, Hobbs advises not time to speak. Stancil warns of removal from meeting if continues. Jurgens disrupts again, laughs when warned of expulsion
17:02 public disrupts again, Fitch warns them to be quiet
17:10 public disrupts again
18:43 Hobbs noted only 3 dept heads gave feedback on Solutions amendment,
31:37 public disrupts
33:00 public disrupts
34:05 public disrupts
34:12 County Attorney Swanson interjects via phone to give feedback
35:57 Swanson references someone “stalking him” with FOIA requests.
37:50 Hobbs states to Swanson that the Board had asked for feedback in advance of today’s meeting
38:15 Swanson argues with Jess, calls Jess vulgar names (language warning), Fitch and Stancil call Swanson to order.
40:32 Vicky Brenner disrupts meeting, Stancil warns Brenner to be silent or be removed. Councilman Fletcher mocks Stancil
41:50 Stancil asks Treasurer Barber for language for her recommended changes to amendment.
1:02:25 Discuss Bridge loan process vs. interfund loan.
1:06:25 Hobbs suggests doing what Fitch suggests earlier to move veterans into courthouse to avoid any loans- Fitch objects as it would require VA to move twice.
1:10:45 Internet and phone problems currently at Public Health Building discussed along with a fix
1:20:35 Discuss setting auction time for the Public Health Building
1:24:19 Hobbs offers to talk to Thaddeus Smith about VA (veterans affairs) move
1:24:41 Discussion-new costs for FOIA by Solutions
1:25:47 Swanson questions legality of Solutions charging for time
1:37:37 Discussion on Elderly Services roofing repairs
1:39:17 Motion to use Sonntag for roof replacement, is approved
1:41:55 Discussion of revising elderly services address for roof repair.
1:49:17 Motion and vote for updated address be used for that half of building
1:51:30 wireless access point for internet connectivity discussion in public health building, at end of life
2:00:29 Adjournment
July 6 2026 Special Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/CL2cZivufTQ
Timestamp Index
Recording starts about 13 minutes into the meeting – full audio can be obtained from Auditor’s office.
Before recording: Resolution to move forward with auction of the Public Health Building and reaffirm contract with Dream Dirt.
0:00 Network issues and Solutions follow-up
2:21 Public Health Building sale and auction contract
4:05 Solutions amendment and concerns over open-records requests, costs and board involvement
11:26 Solutions amendment deadline and concern about delaying action
14:24 Concern over individual supervisors approving potentially large Solutions expenses
15:09 Concern that Solutions could cancel the county’s contract if the amendment isn’t approved
18:30 Discussion of how Solutions requests would be prioritized, including duplicate warrants versus FOIA requests
20:24 Stancil calls the Solutions amendment a possible “nuclear option” and questions what is happening behind the scenes
20:51 Citizen interupts and is informed that public comment is over
21:41 Board disagreement over whether elected officials’ concerns are being given appropriate consideration
22:03 Stancil says the Board needs to know what is happening behind the scenes before moving forward
24:14 Discussion of Solutions amendment
27:38 Public Health Building wireless equipment replacement
32:03 Audit RFP discussion begins
34:09 Debate over whether allowing multiple-year audit bids could effectively result in a three-year contract
36:37 No camera RFQ bids yet
37:04 FY27 appropriations and year-end closing problem
43:33 Stancil questions audit finding over appropriations and whether the Board had already authorized the spending through resolutions
48:03 State audit findings and upcoming work session
54:03 Brant says she will prepare a resolution and the Board can deny it while they seek best-practice guidance
54:33 Stancil asks how prior Auditor Shelley Kaster was able to close the year; Brant notes that approach resulted in an audit finding
55:28 Security-camera concerns and debate over whether a closed meeting is necessary.
Note that much more information about the security camera issue is shared at the July 9 and July 14 meetings which can be found at: July 9 meeting and July 14 meeting.
56:00 Hobbs presses for a timely investigation and says she is uncomfortable waiting without knowing whether there could be additional attempts
57:33 Board discusses how the security issue came to light and whether it was connected to another matter
58:27 Stancil clarifies the security issue was not a public-records request and discusses the Board’s authority over security matters
1:00:03 Scheduling a meeting with Sheriff Barnes and County Attorney Swanson regarding the security matter
1:04:54 Adjournment
July 9 2026 Special Meeting to Discuss Potential Security Breach
YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ch5mjttTskA
Timestamp Index:
0:00 – Discussion on whether to go into closed session
2:20 – Cybersecurity concern – 10 failed login attempts
3:45 – Sheriff Barnes, County Attorney Swanson , and unauthorized vendor were seen on security footage accessing server room
13:50 – Hobbs motions to refer to AG and DCI – Stancil and Hobbs–aye, Fitch -nay
16:00 – Vendor Access and Cybersecurity Policies Discussion
19:00 – Hobbs motions to update camera access policy – passes
21:35 – Hobbs motions to cancel current service agreement with Johnson Controls and ask for a refund – passes with Fitch nay
Article regarding this meeting is here: https://themadisonreport.com/news/2026/07/bos-cybersecurity-to-iowa-ag-dci
text of article:
Board of Supervisors Refers Cybersecurity Matter to Iowa AG and DCI
The Madison County Board of Supervisors held a special meeting on July 9 to discuss a cybersecurity concern involving the county’s security camera system.
The meeting was scheduled as a possible closed session; however, Chair Heather Stancil stated that after receiving additional information she believed discussing the matter in open session would better avoid potential Open Meetings Law concerns.
Stancil said the issue stemmed from ten failed attempts to access the vendor administrator account for the county’s security camera system. She told the Board that security footage showed County Attorney Stephen Swanson, Sheriff Jason Barnes, and what she described as “the unauthorized vendor that we removed in March” accessing the server room. According to Stancil, only the Board should authorize changes to the camera system.
Stancil also explained that vendor administrator access goes beyond simply viewing security footage. She stated that a vendor administrator can add or remove users, change passwords, delete footage, activate microphones in the meeting room, and access audit trails. She said those capabilities were especially concerning because of a prior closed session involving legal counsel, adding that she wanted to ensure those who had been conflicted out of the meeting could not access or share information from it.
Stancil told the Board she had contacted both County Attorney Stephen Swanson and Sheriff Jason Barnes after learning of the failed login attempts. She said she reached out the previous week but had “never received a response from the sheriff,” adding that the county attorney’s response “was less than professional.” Supervisor Jessica Hobbs noted that Barnes had responded the previous day. Stancil acknowledged receiving the response but said it only indicated Barnes would not attend the meeting and directed her to the county attorney. She said neither Barnes nor Swanson had provided an explanation for the attempted access. Before making her motion, Hobbs said there had been ample opportunities for Swanson and Barnes to explain what had occurred, adding that “40 emails went around about this matter.”
After discussion, Supervisor Jessica Hobbs moved to refer the matter to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation for an independent review. The motion passed 2-1, with Stancil and Hobbs voting in favor and Diane Fitch opposed. Fitch said she preferred to address the matter internally.
The Board also discussed strengthening its camera system access policy. This included clarifying who may authorize vendor access and improving documentation of future access to the system. Hobbs then moved to update the camera access policy, and the motion passed unanimously.
The Board also agreed to place a broader cybersecurity policy on a future agenda for additional discussion.
Finally, the Board voted to direct legal counsel to prepare documentation to cancel the existing service agreement with Johnson Controls and request a refund. That motion also passed 2-1, with Fitch voting nay.
July 14 2026 Audit Review Worksession – discussing FY23 and FY24 audits
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZAZyg5i3mYk
Timestamp Index
July 14 – 3:00 p.m. Work Session:
Stancil and Hobbs were present in the room with Brant, Barber and Fitch on the phone. Brant was in the room prior to meeting starting and then went upstairs to Barber’s office.
FY2023 Audit Discussion
4:40 – Bank Reconciliations
12:00 – Brant comments on investigation when she was board clerk
15:06 – Fitch points out balancing issue
17:32 – Timely Deposits
Currently checks are scanned and Treasurer Barber takes cash to the bank once or twice a week, more often during tax season.
25:30 – Journal Entries
30:20 – Questionable Expenditures
34:47 – Stancil suggests Brant and Barber work on a policy packet for employees and elected officials.
36:45 – Conflict of Interest
$16,100 construction project in Auditor’s office.
Shelley Kaster told Stancil at the time that it was competitively bid; however, the audit indicated it was not competitively bid.
Hobbs suggested looking for the bids to clear the record.
41:30 – Capital Projects Fund
44:40 – Sales Tax: County shouldn’t be paying sales tax.
45:23 – Bank Overdrafts
47:50 – Hobbs
Clifton signed off on the FY2023 audit in Dec. 2024.
Stancil explained the delay based on what she was aware of.
51:00 – Fitch expressed concerns.
51:50 – Brant shares her perspective.
FY2024 Audit Discussion:
55:15 – Delayed Deposits
55:55 – County Conservation
Recordkeeping issue – They maintain their own checking account
1:03:45 – Public Health: Discussion about end of 28E agreement.
1:06:10 – Ambulance
1:06:47 – IT-related contracts
1:09:18 – Capital Assets
1:10:18 – Petty Cash Policy
Supervisors are supposed to conduct surprise counts, but this has never been done before.
1:15:45 – Clawback of Grant – EMS
1:17:35 – Record Retention and Offboarding Policy
1:25:00 – County Treasurer Payroll
1:27:00 – Professional Services Agreement – signing contracts.
1:28:00 – Comp Time
1:31:12 – Credit Card Purchases and Lease of Postage Meter (DeVos)
1:34:00 – Property Tax on County-Owned Farmland
Fitch: It has been fixed.
1:34:30 – Coding error when money went to the wrong taxing authority.
Brant: It has been fixed.
1:37:45 – State Auditor Bill
Refused to give detail on bill.
Stancil expressed concern.
Two audits cost almost $200,000.
July 14 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/4V_UreFT60c
Timestamp Index
0:00 Innocation (Michele Brant) and Pledge
1:30 – Call to Order
2:15 – Auditor’s Report – Michele Brant
5:50 – Chip See – Head Custodian- he was asked about Elderly Services, roof; waiting on contract.
6:30 – Secondary Roads – Mike Hackett 11:40 Speed limit change discussion
22:15 – Ambulance – Brady Foreman; Staffing software resolution discussed.
Public Comment
29:30 – Nicholas Scar
32:40 – Travis Daniels (Summit Technologies)
Gave timeline of Summit services, permissions and camera access.
36:30 – Susan Mrzena
39:53 – County Attorney Steve Swanson
(Editoral Notes: Swanson falsely accuses Stancil of sharing security video with Jessica Hobbs and Leslie Beck. I personally have had no access to said video and I asked Stancil and Hobbs individually if Stancil had shared video with Hobbs and both confirmed that had not occurred. Swanson also makes reference to 15 special meetings a week. With the exception of budget season which may have a few budget worksessions in one week, the Board averages less than one special meeting per week. ~ Leslie Beck)
42:45 – Resolutions for Board Consideration
45:25 Discussion about access to security camera servers, Stancil mentions agreement signed by employee who was not authorized to do so;
46:30 Hobbs discusses the reason for the resolution and that the Board doesn’t have access to the system; Travis Daniels of Summit answers questions about how the systems are set up and how access works
Process for changing vendors
March resolution discussed.
No data breach occurred; only attempted logins.
Verified the Board of Supervisors has not had user access.
Explained the March 10 resolution does not add, remove, or change existing user access for individuals.
(see video for additional details.)
58:50 – Amended resolution
Expanded to include both the Annex and EMS building.
59:00 – Updating Security Camera Policy
Clarifies authorization for camera access.
References Iowa Code §331.301(2).
1:03:00 – Diane Fitch
Quoted Iowa Code regarding working with other entities.
Said she would vote no because she believed the policy gave the Board of Supervisors too much authority.
1:06:00 – Vote on Security Camera Policy Resolution
* Resolution approved 2–1.
* Fitch voted no.
1:06:10– Remaining resolutions
1:07:25 – Applications for Licenses, Permits, and Cancellations
* Temporary liquor license approved.
* Fireworks permit approved.
1:07:50 – Citizens Request to Be Heard
Nicholas Scar addressed concerns regarding the Ring camera outside the County Attorney’s office, including its authorization, public records requests, and possible audio recording.
Board Reports
1:14:00 – Jessica Hobbs
Elderly Services work continues.
Corrected statements made about the number of meetings.
Staffing changes are not part of the Board of Supervisors.
Staff training went well.
1:17:00 – Diane Fitch
Reported meetings attended.
Clarified the landfill is not county-owned; only certain items can be disposed of there.
1:21:00 – Heather Stancil
Courthouse camera server RFQ due July 20.
1:27:00 – Discuss any RFP vendor questions with possible direction/motion on answers.
1:30:00 – VA Office Relocation
Sheriff’s office plan put on hold.
Elderly Services to remain at current location.
Original courthouse asbestos removal discussed.
Already resolved by resolution.
July 20 2026 Hearing – Brant injunction against Stancil and Hobbs – Custodial Outsourcing
YouTube: https://youtu.be/frp1jrrkzIM
0:00 Judge Greenwood introduces case.
1:05 First motion needs to be addressed before the others can be.
2:00 Swanson (attorney for Auditor Brant) states he is resisting the motion.
2:15 Judge: “Unique scenario”; asks questions.
2:55 Judge asks Swanson if he sought a conflict waiver. Answer: No.
Judge asks Swanson if he has represented the Board in other matters.
6:55 City of Davenport vs. Office of Auditor mentioned.
8:58 Judge asks Swanson if he sought a waiver from Brant to act as the Auditor’s attorney since he has been, and may be in the future, the attorney for the Board of Supervisors.
Swanson answers no and says he didn’t think it was necessary.
9:22 Judge addresses Boal (attorney for the Board of Supervisors), asking who Boal believes Swanson represents. Boal contends that Swanson represents the county and that the conflict is not waivable. Boal cites Iowa Code 331.
Boal asserts that he can’t say whether there are matters that Swanson has advised the Board on without asking for specific testimony.
13:16 Judge asks Boal if the Board hiring Boal as outside counsel eliminates the risk.
Boal says no.
14:12 Judge asks how it would work if counsel needed to be appointed for Brant.
17:58 Judge asks Swanson his opinion on the appointment of outside counsel for Brant. Swanson cites the Board as controlling the purse strings.
18:55 Judge asks Swanson what the appropriate funding mechanism is for the lawsuit, since the Board did not authorize it. Swanson responds in part that the Board doesn’t approve lawsuits.
19:30 Judge discusses timeline for briefings from counsel.
Judge gives Swanson until July 30 at noon, and then Boal will have until Aug. 6 at noon.
July 28 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ShoQoyv6npY
Timestamp Index
0:00 Discussion of agenda, inaccurate minutes (prayer and pledge were said prior to us starting our recording)
4:30 Stancil does not want to pay $1,900 JCI claim since it was via an unauthorized contract. Hobbs concurs. Fitch disagrees.
6:40 Mike Hackett, Secondary Roads
– Discussed bridge repairs/replacements
15:45 Fitch asks Hackett if individuals can buy a culvert from the county.
18:45 Michele Brant, Auditor
– Discussion of RFPs for annual audit
28:20 Camera server – password reset issue
– Hobbs asked for clarification.
– Brant does not want to discuss it.
31:25 Chip See, Head Custodian
– Training with Travis Daniels of Summit is complete
32:20 Elderly Services update
– Public Health building needs photos taken so it can be put up for auction
36:30 Public Hearing – Morrison Woods Subdivision
– No public comment for hearing
43:50 Ryan Marquardt – Madison County Development Group update
50:25 Public Comment
50:45 Jayci Kuhns
– Update on how opioid funds are being used via Turning Point
53:45 Stancil suggests asking the state and other counties for money.
55:40 Treasurer Kylee Barber – camera server – expresses concern, is upset
1:03:25 Sherri Young – Medical Examiner Investigator
1:06:09 Ryan Hobart – Zoning Administrator, addresses meeting decorum
1:07:40 Andrew Hornback – Environmental Health, addresses meeting decorum
1:08:35 Nick Scar
1:11:35 Fitch to Swanson: “Let’s stop, let’s stop, let’s don’t, this is draining” when she sees County Attorney Swanson walking up to the podium
1:11:40 Steve Swanson – County Attorney – expressed concerns to the Board about public health 28E ending
1:13:30 Shelley Marsh (on phone)
Resolutions (resolution details are in the comments)
1:16:22 AO-072826A Homestead & Military Tax Exemptions
1:17:30 SPV-072826A $37,000 Opioid Settlement Award
1:19:42 SPV-072826B Security Camera Upgrade Bid – TABLED
Discussed bids; requested re-quote. –
*** Supervisors having a productive, professional conversation. ***
1:24:30 SR-072826A Close Meadowview Ave & 120th St
1:25:00 SR-072826B Pitzer Hwy One-Lane Closure
1:25:15 SR-072826C Bridge Closure 14B-550-515
1:25:30 SR-072826D Close Settlers Ave
1:25:45 SR-072826E Secondary Roads Camera Policy
1:26:25 SR-072826F Award Contract – Herberger Construction
1:26:45 SR-072826G Award Contract – Gus Construction
1:27:13 ZO-072826A Morrison Woods Subdivision
1:27:28 ZO-072826B Hire Administrative Assistant
1:28:15 Full-Time Assistant Attorney (Jeremy Flores, $94k, replacing Sierra)
1:29:00 Hobbs Board Report
– Elderly Services
– Handbook update meeting
– Audit RFP
– Special meeting scheduled Tuesday, August 4, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
1:37:27 Fitch Board Report
– Parade float
– Hazardous Waste Day
1:38:12 Stancil Board Report
– Explained that the Board of Health is separate from the Board of Supervisors and the Board does not have authority over what the BOH does; Reviewed RFQ camera responses, met with citizens regarding the FY23 & FY24 audit, Iowans for Tax Relief Symposium
Old Business
1:42:10 VA Office Relocation & Auction Sale of Public Health Building – Hobbs updates.
1:43:35 Discussion and possible motion to give direction regarding possible FY27 budget amendment.
1:45:40 Board of Supervisors’ Meeting Decorum – Hobbs brings up that the Board needs to trespass individuals who continue to disrupt – board policy is shown on screen and will be added to the county website
1:50:50 Discussion and possible motion to proceed with engineer review of OPN response.
1:54:00 Discussion and possible motion to give direction regarding contracted employee hires.
1:56:25 Discussion and possible motion to give direction regarding outstanding State Auditor invoice.
2:05:40 Discussion with possible motion regarding authorized security cameras
2:06:30 Claim in Earlham Echo article that ISAC was able to hack the county’s cameras – Stancil contacted ISAC and was told that was not true – ISAC told her they discovered the camera server password was set at the default password
(Editorial Note: we checked the Earlham Echo article referenced by Stancil and County Attorney Swanson was quoted as saying ISAC informed someone in the county that the county’s cyber-crime unit had “hacked into the video servers.” We are unable to reconcile the difference in accounts of what happened at this time.)
2:14:20 Ring camera issue.
2:14:56 Remote access has been available for years but was never set up per Sheriff Barnes at previous meeting. Remote access not dependent on servers
2:17:14 Ring camera discussion
2:21:40 Hobbs – referral to AG
2:22:20 Sheriff to remove Ring camera (Hobbs will contact Sheriff Barnes)
2:25:58 Discussion with possible motion to approve answers to questions submitted by vendors for the FY annual audit(s) and forensic audit RFP.
2:26:20 Data Center discussion
August 4 2026 Special Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/lUAqjAyVYig
Timestamp Index:
0:00 Meeting called to order
0:20 Fitch asks if there are conflicts of interest due to lawsuit.
1:00 Stancil states that they have a hard stop at noon and asked that public comment be limited to items on the agenda. Fitch states she needs to be in Creston at 1pm (meeting started at 11am)
1:53 Sherri Young, Madison County Medical Examiner Investigator. Stancil reminds Young that public comment needs to be limited to agenda items.
3:30 Chris Jordan, Peru.
6:18 Doug Jurgens.
9:42 Joel Whelchel.
10:50 County Attorney Stephen Swanson (on phone).
Swanson stated that the dispute over his Ring camera in the courthouse hallway was retaliation tied to the county auditor’s lawsuit against the Board of Supervisors. He accused two supervisors of bullying, intimidation, harassment, and selectively applying conflict-of-interest standards. He also referred to praying occurring outside his office and used the term “exorcism.”
13:20 Approving the award for Video Security Equipment Upgrades and Vendor Services for the Courthouse, Annex, and EMS Buildings (previously tabled).
– Discussion of bids.
– Decided on SMG as vendor.
≈25:00 Continued discussion of security camera upgrades and vendor services.
– Fitch will talk to department heads about who wants access to what.
29:00 Resolution to approve SMG for courthouse camera server upgrade.
– Approved for $20,595.90.
36:00 Approving review of ramp at courthouse by engineer up to the amount of $1,800.
– Fitch said OPN and Breitholtz are willing to come back.
38:30 Resolution vote.
– Passed 2–1.
39:35 Approving Board of Supervisors outside counsel to refer County Attorney Swanson’s personal Ring camera to the Attorney General’s Office.
– Hobbs sent email to Sheriff Barnes asking that Swanson’s Ring camera be removed.
– It is still there.
42:15
– Stancil recommends the county notify the Iowa Judicial Administrator so they are aware of the Ring camera.
– Discussion of remote access.
– Swanson and Barnes can call Johnson Controls to have them set up remote access for Swanson and Barnes.
– Fitch offered to work with Swanson on the Ring camera.
≈50:45 Resolution discussion
52:15 State Auditor invoice: Discussion with possible direction on how to proceed.
– Discussion of audit RFQ questions and how to answer.
– Includes discussion of payroll confusion and lack of defined, consistent process.
– Additional discussion of county issues and what a forensic audit should cover.
1:13:35
– Fitch left for another meeting.
– She referenced state auditor bill and wants it to be paid.
1:22:46
– Question about use of AI and data inputs.
1:28:22 State Auditor invoice discussion continues.
– Discussion of $45,000 bill from the State Auditor.
– Stancil stated there is a dispute process (1:11:21).
1:34:00
– Vote to pay FY23 bill and dispute FY24 bill.
August 11 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/cI9wrx5bgCM
Timestamp Index
0:00 Approval of agenda, invocation and pledge.
4:40 Mike Hackett – Secondary Roads
– Next meeting will include an update on the 5-year program.
– Hollowell Bridge funding.
– 25 vehicles/day on a bridge deems it “local”; that affects funding.
11:10 Michele Brant – Auditor
– FOIAs/Open Records requests.
– Records retention policy.
– FY23 audit has been paid.
– Camera server update.
Public Comment
22:11 John Sour
24:17 Vicky Brenner
28:20 Resolutions
28:20 SPV-081126A Approving listing sale of Old Madison County Conservation Building with Betsy Breeding of Realty One Group.
29:00 SPV-081126B Approving contract between Madison County and Cost Advisory Services.
29:15 SPV-081126C Approving ductwork replacement change order ($4,400).
31:42 Secondary Roads resolutions:
– SR-081126A Approving work agreement with Baur Farms, Inc.
– SR-081126B Approving work agreement with L. Johnson.
– SR-081126C Approving work agreement with W. & T. Jensen.
– SR-081126D Approving work agreement with H. Cunningham.
32:18 SR-081126E Approving Bridge No. 8B-530-485 closure for inspection.
– SR-081126F Approving Badger Creek Road WO. 20008 for road reshaping.
32:52 Applications for licenses, permits, and cancellations:
– Temporary liquor & wine license for Apres Bar Co. (9/26/26).
– Temporary liquor & wine license for Des Moines Mobile Bar (9/27/26).
– Annual liquor & wine license for Talk Shop Lounge (effective 10/31/26).
Board Reports
33:45 Jessica Hobbs
– Elderly Services Building.
– ISAC conference next week.
39:50 Diane Fitch
– Watershed.
– COGG.
– Hosted kids from Japan.
– Hinterland concerns.
42:12 Heather Stancil
– Attended Board of Health meeting.
– Met with Treasurer and Auditor about RFP for future audits.
– Met with SMG via phone about new server.
Old Business
46:20 Discussion and possible motion to give direction regarding possible FY27 budget amendment.
48:14 Discussion and possible motion to give direction regarding outstanding State Auditor FY24 invoice (Chapter 11 dispute).
50:55 Elderly Services Building update – new name, signage, A/C, ADA, windows, electrical, foundation crack, washer/dryer, fire safety, storage needs.
1:08:35 Auction sale of Public Health Building update. (Moved up from Item 7.)
≈1:09:32 Camera Server Install and Vendor Support Transition and Onboarding Status.
≈1:11:30 Camera view access.
– Stancil indicated she would like supervisors to have access.
1:19:08 Johnson Controls Annex contract cancellation status.
1:20:15 Discussion and possible motion to give direction regarding contracted employee hires.
1:24:05 Department heads who want camera access in their offices; geofencing.
1:27:00 Audit RFP status – Part A & B extension discussion.
– on agenda here but already discussed earlier in meeting
New Business
1:27:10 BOS meeting frequency/duration – the amount of time spent on board meetings has been a concern – the Board and the Auditor disucussed the issue.
1:35:50 Ordinance review and update.
September 8 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/aStwoLnJSH0
Timestamp Index:
0:00 – Call to Order
0:12 – Invocation
1:10 – Pledge of Allegiance
2:01 – Roll Call – Stancil, Hobbs & Fitch Present
2:40 – Motion to Amend Agenda – Approved
3:10 – Consent Agenda – Approved
3:40 – Secondary Roads Report – Mike Hackett
20:55 – Treasurer’s Report – Kylee Barber
35:26 – Property Tax Delay Update
41:00 – Auditor’s Report – Michele Brant
43:30 – Slideshow – Outstanding Issues
47:50 – Plan to Complete Tax Statements
52:35 – Public Health Discussion – 28E Agreement & Budget Amendment
58:35 – Public Comment
59:01 – Marilyn Adams
1:03:10 – Nick Scar
1:06:18 – Resolutions – Budget, Roads, Bridges & to Vacate Alley
1:11:00 – Licenses, Permits & Cancellations
1:13:00 – Citizen Request to Be Heard – Sheri Young
Board Member Reports
1:18:04 – Fitch – Covered Bridge Restoration Fundraising & Farmers Market
1:19:13 – Hobbs – Elderly Services Building Progress
1:20:17 – Stancil – Board of Health Meeting & Camera Contract
1:22:49 – Discussion regarding State Auditor bill dispute hearing
1:27:38 – Elderly Services Update
1:44:43 – Discussion of Changes to July 9, 2026 Meeting Minutes
2:00:10 – Ordinance Review & Update – No Report
2:00:30 – Adjourn
August 25, 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/bmmIdw_gacU
Aug. 25, 2026 – Regular Meeting
Timestamp Index
0:00 Invocation and pledge.
2:15 Review of agenda.
– Includes courthouse maintenance issue.
– Solutions amendment.
10:20 Mike Hackett – Secondary Roads.
17:15 Brady Foreman – EMS/Ambulance Director.
21:35 Michele Brant – Auditor.
23:30 Brant confirmed there was no bidding on the construction in the Auditor’s office while Auditor Shelley Kaster was in office.
25:00 Fitch asks when property tax statements will be mailed.
26:15 FOIA/Open Records policy discussion.
≈27:30 CNS booth at ISAC conference – Hobbs and Brant both spoke to them at conference and would like to look into using them in the future.
Public Comment
33:10 Vicky Brenner.
35:33 Sherri Young – Madison County Medical Examiner Investigator.
38:35 Nick Scar.
41:50 Joel Whelchel.
44:30 Tana Morehead – Small Business Administration.
– Asked when she will present during today’s meeting
46:57 Ryan Marquardt – Madison County Development Group update.
50:40 Fitch reached out to Simon Conway about raising money for bridges.
52:25 Tana Morehead and Sean Evans – Small Business Administration.
– Disaster Assistance Program.
– Assistance available due to recent flood damage (residential or business).
– September 21 deadline to apply for a loan.
1:10:12 Resolutions
– SR-082526A Approving Culvert Replacement – 195th Street.
– SR-082526B Approving Work Agreement Between Madison County Secondary Roads and Queck.
– SR-082526C Approving Work Agreement Between Madison County Secondary Roads and Schreurs.
– SR-082526D Approving Work Agreement Between Madison County Secondary Roads and Haymond.
– SR-082526E Approving Road Closure Due to Water Over Road – 160th.
– SR-082526F Approving Road Reshaping – Quail Ridge Avenue.
– SR-082526G Approving Culvert Replacement – Fieldstone Avenue.
– SR-082526H Approving Modified Secondary Roads 5-Year Program.
1:12:30 Applications, Permits and Licenses.
1:13:45 Jamie Rucker – Citizens Right to Be Heard.
– Concerns about camera access.
Board Reports
1:19:15 Diane Fitch. Optimist Club meeting with architects to discuss Phase 2.
Disaster recovery planning update; information sent to all cities, with St. Charles already using or working on it.
Effort with WHO Radio to help raise money for covered bridge repairs.
Monthly Farmers Market children’s history program at the courthouse
1:20:24 Jessica Hobbs.
– ISAC conference.
– Data centers.
– Flock cameras.
– Amazon business account.
– Regionalization of VA (Veterans Affairs).
– Medicaid funding.
– TIF.
– Road use tax fund.
– Property tax reform.
– Mike Hackett spoke off camera.
1:30:10 Heather Stancil.
– Data centers.
– Flock cameras in Earlham.
– Opioid fund update.
– Funding restrictions no longer prohibit religious organizations from receiving funds. The Refuge referenced.
1:36:33 Elderly Services discussion.
1:42:20 FY23/24 audit.
– Bid issue.
– Kaster/construction/legal.
– Brant will follow up with the County Attorney and Attorney General’s Office to determine whether any action is needed.
1:45:19 State Auditor – dispute hearing discussion – hearing is 1 hour and is not scheduled yet
1:47:00 FOIA/Open Records policy discussion.
– Hobbs suggested tabling until the Board can review Brant’s policy.
≈1:51:00 Includes discussion of future meetings.
– Sept. 8, 3–5 p.m. – Special meeting.
– Sept. 15, 9:30 a.m. – Special meeting.
1:54:25 Discussion to stop outside counsel.
Stancil explains board policy requires discussion first, with any resolution coming back for action at a later meeting.
1:55:26 – Fitch argues the county cannot afford continued outside legal fees, says the board does not know its financial position, and urges ending the legal disputes before the new supervisors take office.
1:57:45 – Hobbs gives a prepared statement defending the August 2025 vote to hire outside counsel. She says it was retained for the Board of Supervisors—not for herself or Stancil personally—because she no longer trusted the county attorney’s legal advice. She cites ongoing litigation and a court finding of a conflict of interest as reasons independent counsel remains necessary, and questions why Fitch wants to eliminate it now.
2:00:34 – Fitch says she does not understand what litigation Hobbs is referring to, questions the benefit of continuing outside counsel, and says the county cannot continue paying legal bills.
2:02:00 – Stancil says the county attorney’s emails have been abusive and unprofessional, that trust in the attorney-client relationship has broken down, and that this is why outside counsel is needed.
2:04:24 -Stancil says all board members have a right to counsel, accuses Fitch of making false accusations in the proposed resolution, and concludes that Fitch may bring the resolution back at the next meeting after revising it to be factually accurate.
2:05:30 2025 Priorities.
2:06:40 Ryan Hobart (speaking off camera).
– Data centers.
Sept 15 2026 Special Board of Supervisors Meeting: Auditor Report, Tax Statement & Forensic Audit
YouTube: https://youtu.be/ksoEShSjRqU
Timestamp Index
0:00 Call to order.
Board moved to table agenda item “Open Records Policy”
1:17 Auditor Report
* Tax statement update & year-end balancing update.
* Financial update – expenses for movement of VA to 1008 N John Wayne Drive.
* Conservation Building sale – plat of survey needed.
8:00 County Assessor Shawn Nigg (speaking off camera).
Public Comment.
10:38 Vicky Brenner.
12:55 SPV-091526A Approving Awarding Bid for Forensic Audit.
– Spirited discussion about whether to do forensic audit.
19:00 Bids submitted were for $241,530, $288,900, and $425,000
26:26 Interruption by Vicky Brenner
26:30 Treasurer Kylee Barber speaks from back of room saying she doesn’t need help balancing
36:20 Motion to TABLE resolution to award bid for forensic audit – passes.
37:15 SPV-091526B Approving Setting Public Hearing Date for Budget Amendment #1 for FY27. This was regarding the Public Health budget.
49:40 Hearing set for October 5 at 9:30 a.m..
Sept 22 2026 Board of Supervisors Meeting
YouTube: https://youtu.be/pFSLxO236aw
0:00 Invocation and pledge.
3:15 Review of agenda.
Maintenance issue at the courthouse and Solutions amendment.
10:20 Mike Hackett – Secondary Roads.
15:25 Brady Foreman – EMS.
17:22 Michele Brant – Auditor.
21:05 Kylee Barber – Treasurer.
Property tax statement discussion.
Balancing vs. bank reconciliation: two different issues; balancing is key to property tax statements.
28:00 Barber leaves; conversation continues.
32:00 Hobbs asks Brant where the county is financially.
37:44 Public Hearing – Todd Hartsell subdivision.
44:26 Public Comment.
44:58 Vicky Brenner.
48:26 Rachael Terhaar.
49:18 Marisa Schneider.
50:24 Ryan Marquardt – Madison County Development Group
57:08 Resolutions begin
57:55 Sale of old Conservation Building.
– Offer from the Smiths will be based on a new appraisal.
1:06:40 Fitch wants the property resurveyed.
1:09:46 Secondary Roads resolutions.
1:10:35 Fireworks applications (Kaczinski and Anhalt) – both were tabled due to fire safety concerns with dry crops.
Board Reports.
1:14:27 Jessica Hobbs.
Includes discussion of handbook work session scheduled on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 3 p.m.
Emergency Management Commission; building relationships with first responders, schools and churches for emergency preparedness
Evacuation plans for county buildings (1:14:54)
Courthouse ramp project closed session (1:15:27)
Thrive Iowa program and resources for people in need (1:15:36)
Electronic files/shared-drive structure and locating records (1:16:34)
Employee handbook session; goal of finalizing and approving it (1:17:35)
Electronic files discussion/work with Brant (1:19:20)
Board prayer rotation (1:20:07)
Records retention/storage with Solutions and possible additional storage costs (1:21:07)
Rule 15/quorum policy; updated version needs to be posted on website (1:21:29)
1:21:47 Diane Fitch.
Aging Resources
Landfill meetings / hiring a new administrator due to retirement
Working with schools, Optimist Club and Rotary
Holliwell Covered Bridge — needs urgent repairs (1:22:13)
School penny-collection project for bridge repairs
Courthouse tours for the Covered Bridge Festival (1:22:51)
1:23:10 Heather Stancil.
County government group / committee membership
Board of Health meeting and clarification of its actual taxpayer cost (1:23:46)
Homemaker program changes and continuation of services through private providers (1:24:59)
Warren County ending its public health arrangement / impact on Madison County (1:25:39)
Public health RFS, hiring a contractor and recruiting a new administrator (1:25:55)
State regionalization of public health and uncertainty about how it will work
Board of Health hiring authority and supervisor’s liaison role (1:26:53)
HHS assistance during the transition and staffing gap (1:27:53)
Public health vaccinations and whether the county should provide them (1:28:26)
Concerns about regionalization increasing administrative costs (1:28:53)
Closed session regarding the house issue (1:29:35)
1:29:50 Old Business.
1:30:00 Discussion with possible motion(s) regarding FY27 budget status – no discussion today.
1:30:28 Discussion with possible motion(s) regarding tabled forensic audit proposals and resolution.
– UHY: 1:31:25 – The shortened timeline comes at a premium; extended timeline would save costs.
– CLA: 1:32:30 – Offered different options for phased approaches.
– 1:33:20 Fitch questions using a private firm for forensic audit.
– 1:44:00 Motion to bring the forensic audit motion off the table – passes 2 to 1.
– 1:44:35 Motion to approve UHY – passes 2 to 1.
1:47:13 Elderly Services Building Project.
1:56:10 Public Health Building Sale Status.
– Includes discussion of new appraisal.
– Special meeting scheduled for Sept. 29 at 9:30 a.m. to approve posting for Public Health Building; and for claims due to the three-week gap until the next regular meeting.
2:08:55 Fitch discusses concerns with ag tourism.
2:10:46 Motion to adjourn.
Sept 29 2026 Special Supervisors Meeting – Public Health Building
YouTube: https://youtu.be/atHMnQVeLoo
Timestamp Index
0:00 Call to Order
1:20 Public Comment – Tom Losee
3:45 Supervisors approved Resolution 092926A authorizing the former Public Health Building at 209 E. Madison St. to be offered for sale by sealed bid, with bids due Oct. 19 and opened Oct. 20.
5:05 SPV-0929268 Reappraisal of Public Health Building – Supervisors voted to not approve a new appraisal due to the fact that the appraiser did not think a new appraisal would yield a much different value.
9:15 Motion to adjourn
Sept 8 2026 Board of Supervisors 3pm Special Meeting Open Records & Audit RFP
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5udCu4jevA
Timestamp Index:
0:00 Call to Order
0:42 Review and approve agenda
2:15 Public Comment – Kailynn Gilbert of Earlham
5:40 Introduce Discussion of Open Records Policy Process
6:40 Michele Brant reports on the process of FOIA requests
7:38 History of county open records policy
9:38 Exceptions to open record requests
10:04 Open records supervision and fees
12:45 How the FOIA process works
20:50 Example of the process of an actual FOIA request
23:19 Auditor FOIA report ends, policy discussion continues
27:02 Discussion of exemption parameters and the exclusion process for confidential records
31:30 Record search filters to exclude results for law firms, county attorney, county sheriff
41:15 Discussion on records retention policy and methods of digital records storage
47:20 Special BOS work session scheduled to work out FOIA policy details
48:45 Solutions ticket 937168 discussed – Diane Fitch requests filters excluding law firms in FOIA be removed – motion made to retain filters, motion passes.
51:25 Opening of RFP’s for forensic audit.
57:25 Motion to adjourn
October 5, 2026 Special Meeting – Public Health Administrator Amendment Hearing
YouTube: https://youtu.be/OC9hvZnSh_A
Timestamp Index
0:00 Call to order.
– Auditor Brant presents and explains amendment.
2:55 Call for public comment – none.
3:45 Public hearing closed.
4:15 Voting on amendment, including discussion of public health administrator position.
– Amendment increases Public Health Administration budget by $105,636 for termination of the 28E agreement for public health services.
– Amendment redirects $70,767 in funds to Madison County for Public Health Administration.