The Greene County Board of Supervisors met Thursday.

The Board voted 4 to 1 to hire Ahlers and Cooney law firm for urban renewal and economic development planning. Supervisor Tom Contner was the lone “no” vote. The Board will engage the law firm to determine whether or not the Board will proceed with creating Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the county. Before the vote, county resident Bill Sutton addressed the Board in open forum expressing the possible negative implications of using TIF. Also in open forum, Greene County Chamber and Tourism Board President Mike Holden presented the Board with a letter of support encouraging the Board to proceed with establishing TIF.

The Board also approved a resolution for an agreement to share the operating costs for a new animal shelter, based on the building being constructed. The Supervisors agreed to pay $15,000 as their contribution to the operational budget. The Board then approved the 28E agreement with Central Iowa Community Services.

The Supervisors also appointed ten entities for a new courthouse security committee. Assistant County Attorney Thomas Laehn presented the Board with a proposal to form the committee, out of requests from the Iowa Supreme Court, Iowa Bar Association and the Iowa State Association of Counties. The members to be on the committee include: County Sheriff, County Auditor, County Attorney, County Supervisor, County Safety Coordinator, County Veterans Services, District Judge, Magistrate Judge, County Clerk of Court and Jefferson Police Chief.

Finally, the Board held a budget review workshop, and decided to give public health $300,000 for the next fiscal year. They also decided to give Greene County Historical Society an additional $1,000 and continue to give the Chamber $4,000 towards the Bell Tower Festival.