Tama County Administration Building, 104 W State St., Toledo, Iowa. TELEGRAPH FILE PHOTO

TOLEDO – Last Monday morning started out like usual for many in Tama County with the supervisors’ meeting. The meeting had a few bits of interest, but the nugget that seemed to intrigue the citizens the most was No. 6 on the agenda.

‘Human Resources’ is how the agenda item was titled; Tammy Wise, the HR manager, was absent from the meeting, leaving Laura Kopsa, Tama County Auditor, to act as a proxy for Wise, informing the supervisors that Bob Vokoun had been hired as the new Zoning director. Caught off guard, surprised, and left scratching his head was Board Chairman Curt Hilmer.

Discussion on the issue then proceeded where it was revealed that two interviews had taken place the week prior. Supervisor Dan Anderson attended one interview and Supervisor Bill Faircloth was in on the other. Also in attendance at both interviews were Wise and the outgoing Zoning Administrator, Taveis Stevens.

The two candidates interviewed for the position were Laura Wilson and Vokoun. At least one of the interviews happened before last week’s primary election in which Vokoun was on the ballot as a candidate for county supervisor. As Chairman Hilmer was not informed about these interviews, the supervisors tabled the subject until the next meeting when Wise could attend to face questions about the situation.

Other business

As usual, Tama County Engineer Ben Daleske gave his report, starting with a flood update; water has receded in areas, and Longpoint has been opened. The culvert project on G Avenue will start next week, and dust control has started. Hydro seeding will happen this week in multiple different locations. A portion of L Avenue – a dead end – was approved to be vacated.

One of the first things done in the meeting was the tax certificate re-assignment for Gary and Linda Pearson; after talking about the price, the re-assignment was approved.

Three hearings were set to amend the V-14 or public comment ordinance; some wording will be changed, as well as the meeting’s start time. The hearings were set for July 8, 15, and 22.

Claims totaling $241,639.22 were approved.