March 29, 2024

Supervisors sign agreement with Marshall County for engineer services

In the unexplained absence of Jasper County Engineer Russ Stutt, the board of supervisors on Tuesday, Oct. 20, approved a 28E Agreement with Marshall County to utilize the services of its engineer for the time being.

According to agenda documents, the purpose of the Jasper-Marshall County Engineer Agreement is “to establish a working mechanism between the two participating counties” so they may both use Marshall County Engineer Paul Geilenfeldt for specific tasks.

Even though Stutt is gone “for an extended amount of time,” Brandon Talsma, chair of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, acknowledged the county is in need of a licensed, professional engineer who can carry out certain duties. Per the 28E Agreement, Geilenfeldt is still an employee to Marshall County.

“They were more than willing to essentially, quote-unquote, ‘lend’ him to us,” Talsma said.

Secondary roads employees in Jasper County will still exclusively use their own equipment and machinery. However, all construction and maintenance work shall be performed under the direct and immediate supervision of the engineer, who is also responsible for some administrational duties.

For instance, the engineer will fill vacancies within the secondary roads department and administer disciplinary actions to employees as required. The engineer may delegate duties to employees of the respective counties in consultation with the respective board.

Geilenfeldt will devote his “time and talents to the interests of” Jasper County and Marshall County. He will use his own vehicle while working between both counties, and will be compensated $35 per trip, “unless Jasper County would like to run documents to Marshall County.”

Jasper County is required to carry workmen’s compensation on Geilenfeldt for injuries sustained while carrying out specific duties in the region. Jasper will pay Marshall $1 for providing engineer services and will promptly notify the other county when Stutt has returned from his temporary leave.

Upon the engineer’s return, contracted services with Marshall County will end.

Jasper County Supervisor Doug Cupples said Marshall County is doing the board “a huge favor.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com