The Guthrie County Board of Supervisors met in regular session Tuesday.

The meeting began with an opening of a misplaced bid for the South Cass 116 project from Cunningham-Reis of Van Meter. The project was not awarded, and the Board approved a $1 increase for Secondary Roads Employee Austin Willms. The Board held the public hearing for the fiscal year 2020 budget. County Auditor Marci McClellan stated this year’s land valuations went up, but the County had “no choice” but to raise tax levies, such as the general basic property tax by 3.7%, which exceeds the maximum rate of 3.5%. McLellan said it should generate $160,488 in revenue.

After the public hearing, the Board approved the budget and the adoption of taxes both on 4-1 votes with Supervisor Mike Dickson in opposition. The Board then tabled action on appropriations for the next fiscal year with a 4-1 vote, Dickson opposing. He requested the Board appropriate only 50% of department funds for the time being. Next, the Board approved signing a professional services amendment for phase two of the jail project with Shive-Hattery Architecture and Engineering.

Finally, the Board approved a sales order with Jim Hawk Truck Trailers Inc. for a purchase for the Transfer Station, and tabled approving financial documents with Rolling Hills Bank & Trust to finance such purchases. The Board also directed on a 4-1 vote to do a second reading of the amended creation agreement for the regional airport authority at tomorrow’s meeting.