Supervisors canvass election results

by Bob Beach

During the regular meeting of the Allamakee County Board of Supervisors Tuesday, August 12, the Board canvassed the results of the special election held August 5 in which voters were asked if the one-percent local option sales and service tax (LOSST) should be renewed. The Board declared public measures 'A' through 'F' passed, as voters in Waukon, New Albin, Harpers Ferry, Waterville, Postville and unincorporated areas overwhelmingly approved the renewal of the tax. The Board then set Tuesday, August 26 at 9:15 a.m. as the date and time for a public hearing on an ordinance to establish the local option sales and service tax in the county.
The Board also met with County Engineer Brian Ridenour, who was present for the opening of bids for the repair and replacement of several culverts in the New Albin Area. Rheim Construction submitted the low bid of $125,391.10, which Ridenour noted was lower than his estimated of cost of the project, $154,328.63. Also bidding on the project was Reilly Construction ($166,801.00). The Board approved Rheim's bid on Ridenour's recommendation.
In other business, the Board approved a contract with Covenant Medical Center for substance abuse treatment at $675 per day, a increase of three percent over the previous contract. The Board also approved a 28E agreement with the Northeast Iowa Response Group and an addendum to the County's agreement with Hacker and Nelson for additional auditing services resulting from the county receiving more than $500,000 in federal funds during the fiscal year.