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Lee County, IA –
Cabins
The Lee County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to build two cabins near Wilson Lake. The construction of a pair of two-bedroom cabins is expected to cost about $95,000.
Some funding is already in place through grants, donations, and fundraising. The supervisors, though, have yet to set aside any money for the project.
Supervisor Ernie Schiller says that should take place soon.
"We probably know a pot of funding that we could probably use," said Schiller. "So we will wait a couple of weeks to see how the spending goes."
Lee County's current budget runs through June 30.
Schiller says the goal is to have the first cabin completed before July 1. He says if these cabins are successful, more could be built in the next couple years.
Sheriff Retiring
Lee County Sheriff Buck Jones is stepping down after 32 years in law enforcement. His final day will be August 6.
Jones, 59, says the time has come for him to step aside and become a full-time grandfather. He says he had a wake-up call after his cousin passed away and his best friend had a heart attack.
Jones says he has done everything he promised to do when he first ran for sheriff in 2004. The list includes the development of a reserve officer program, the expansion of the Lee County Jail, and technology upgrades.
Jones says he will miss interacting with people the most when he steps down.
Jones is retiring with more than two years remaining in his current term. He will ask the Lee County Board of Supervisors to appoint Chief Deputy Jim Scholl to serve out his term in office.
Wages
The Lee County Board of Supervisors voted to freeze wages for all elected leaders, their deputies, and non-union employees. Union employees are expected to receive pay hikes in their new contracts.