Fort Madison, IA – No one turned out in support of or against Lee County's $23,000,000 budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. The Board of Supervisors approved the spending plan, which includes a roughly $0.40 decrease in the property tax rate. Chairman Larry Kruse says the budget is pretty much status quo, with few new projects or services. He says there will be money for a technology upgrade at the sheriff's office and to hold a special election on renovating the jail, but not for actual construction. Kruse says staffing levels in all departments will remain steady from the current year to the upcoming fiscal year.
With next year's budget approved, the Board of Supervisors is turning its attention to Lee County's economic future. The board used much of this week's workshop to review 2 proposals aimed at creating a long-term agreement between the county and the Lee County Economic Development Group. It was the first significant discussion on the topic in months. Vice Chairman Bob Woodruff, who crafted one proposals, says the board needs to come up with one solid plan. The board seems to favor a 3-year deal that expands LCEDG's board from 3 to 5 directors, who are apointed by the supervisors. The county would also reduce public funding, in the hope that more private money would come in, and require LCEDG to hire the next economic development director.