Supervisors discuss filling technology positions

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There has been considerable discussion recently among county employees concerning the need for filling several technology positions, including the global information systems, information technology and Web site development. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors continued the discussion at its regular meeting Tuesday.

The county has been without a GIS coordinator for several months, and it was admitted that the county’s Web site needs updating as well. In addition, IT director Robb Harris said he could use another full-time employee in his department to handle all the computer issues in the county. Discussion centered around whether those positions should be filled and how to fill them. Combining them into one job description may be too much, supervisor John Parsons said, and Planning and Zoning Director Larry Ryan said he felt it may be too early to think about a GIS coordinator for the county.

“With outside projects, the public can get what they want from Schneider, and it costs us nothing,” Ryan said. “I think it’s a little premature to replace the position since Schneider has been here only two months.”

The consensus was that the county should begin the search for a new GIS coordinator now, and deal with the issues of Web site development and IT during the interview stage. Salary range for the new GIS coordinator will be in the $45,000 to $55,000 per year.

In other action Tuesday, the supervisors:

• Approved an agreement with Agstar Financial Services to subordniate tax increment financing funds generated by Central Iowa Energy, the Newton biodiesel plant. CIE is being purchased by Renewable Energy Group Newton through Agstar Financial Services. The subordination agreement allows Agstar to be the first in line for repayment of debt for the buyout. The agreement will have no effect on the minimum assessment agreement signed in 2006, and the county has been assured that taxes will continue to be paid.

Jasper County Treasurer Doug Bishop said Central Iowa Energy has an outstanding tax debt of $123,721. The total amount with accrued interest through December stands at $129,288. If left outstanding, Bishop said in a press release, the amount will increase at a rate of 1.5 percent per month.

• Approved a hot mix asphalt paving project on Highway F62, from East 124th Street South in Sully, east three miles to 1,000 feet west of Highway T38 in Lynnville and from T38 South East 1.25 miles to the Poweshiek County line. The project will be paid through a combination of federal and farm-to-market funds.

The supervisors also approved detour agreements for an Iowa Department of Transportation plan to add J-turning lanes at the intersection of U.S. 65/Iowa 330 and Highway 117. Bid letting will take place Feb. 16, 2010, and work could begin as early as April 1.

• Named Adam Sparks as the new director of building and grounds, replacing Doug McClun, who announced his retirement on Nov. 10. Sparks’ assignment will be retroactive to that date, with an annual salary of $50,180.

The supervisors also appointed Tina Arends as legal assistant at the Jasper County Attorney’s office, replacing Suzy Conn, who left after 35 years. Arends will be paid $16.93 per hour, effective Dec. 9.

Don Akins also was hired as a temporary part-time snow plow operator for the Secondary Roads Dept., at a pay rate of $15.42 per hour, effective Dec. 8.

John Jennings can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 425 or via e-mail at jjennings@newtondailynews.com.

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