Jeff Harney pictured above – 25 Years

The Dallas County Board of Supervisors met in regular session on Tuesday.

The board began the meeting by recognizing 14 individuals with certificates of appreciation regarding their years of service. Those honored for five years of service included Nick Merwalk and Joe Cerwinske in the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, Emily Merrick in the Recorder’s Office, Chandler Carrick for Secondary Roads Department, and Renee Moorehead in the Treasurer’s Office. For 10 years of service, Bishwas Bhattarai was recognized in the Assessor’s Office, Mike Havlick in the Conservation Department, Jesi Bates for the Attorney’s Office, and Al Miller for the Secondary Roads. Toby Welch and Suzanne Hegarty received certificates for 15 years of service in the Public Health Department, Bret Maxwell in the Sheriff’s Office was honored for 20 years, while Jill Johansen in the Sheriff’s Office and Jeff Harney in the Secondary Roads Department were awarded with 25 years of service.

Next, Dallas County Emergency Management Coordinator AJ Seely explained to the board that the Emergency Management Commission (EMC) is attempting to replace outdoor warning sirens in nine central Iowa counties. He said that many of the outdoor warning sirens are outdated, extending their 30-year window since most of them were installed in the 1960s or earlier. Seely mentioned that the EMC currently has $200,000 in carryover funds, which is insufficient to cover the $630,000 project. He proceeded to ask permission from the board to allocate $500,000 through a 28E Agreement to help with the payment. Seely outlined that if the board agreed, then he would start with the 28E Agreement and set a tentative approval timeline of February 2026 to kick start the project. After discussion, the board approved Seely’s request to start a 28E Agreement between the EMC and the Dallas County Supervisors.

Items on the agenda that were approved included a resolution for an employee blood draw at the Dallas County Human Resources Wellness Fair next Wednesday, October 8th, as well as a HyVee Wellness Screening Agreement, and a resolution to appoint Neal Tapken to fill a vacancy as the Colfax Township Clerk for a term ending on December 31st, 2026. The board also held a workshop for the Veteran’s Affair’s Department before adjourning.

Al Miller (below) – 10 Years

Bishwas Bhattarai (below) – 10 Years

Joe Cerwinske (below) – 5 Years