County may pull support if Northview license is suspended
An entity that Marion County has supported for a number of years is in jeopardy of having its state license suspended.
Northview Development Services of Newton sent a letter to Marion County Commission which was reviewed Monday that stated SRS (Social Rehabilitative Services) will suspend its license as of Sept. 30.
The county donates nearly $60,000 annually to the non-profit organization that provides assistance to mentally disabled in Harvey and Marion counties. The third quarter payment of approximately $15,000 is due this month.
Commissioner Bob Hein said he was contacted by a NDS board member and was told of the situation.
"They think this will get worked out and the license won't be pulled," Hein said.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said he hated to see a government entity spend money with a company that could have a suspended license in a few weeks.
"I don't want us to hurt residents receiving the services," he said, "but we need to be responsible for spending county money."
Commission chairman Dan Holub agreed.
"If it's (the county's portion) for operating funds and they're not operating," Holub said, then there's a problem.
Dallke said he would like to hear from both sides of the issue and asked county clerk Carol Maggard to schedule time at the next commission meeting for SRS and NDS representatives.
In other business:
— The commission signed an agreement with Continental Analytical Services for ground water monitoring at the former county landfill. The contract was for $8,349, $600 less than previously anticipated.
— The commission approved the purchase of a 2002 Chevrolet Blazer from Irv Schroeder County Motors for $9,348 for the county sanitarian/zoning administrator.
Bobbi Strait reported the vehicle had 65,000 miles.
Previously the department had a passenger car which was not as versatile as a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
No other bids were sought.
— A salary change was approved for Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Todd Simmonds who went from a part-time deputy/corrections officer to full-time.
— The commission reviewed a five-year bridge plan.
— One application has been received thus far for the county economic development secretarial position. The advertisement will run two more weeks in the four county newspapers.
Maggard reported that the position was rated by the county's classification committee and it was determined the median salary for the position was $12.23.
— Dan Rowe and Loren Anderson of Treanor Architects presented information to the commission regarding a law enforcement/judicial facility.
The firm specializes in courthouses and jail facilities and requested an opportunity to bid on the planned jail project.
— Attorney Rodney Olsen, who was representing Michael Krueger, former community correction director of the Eighth Judicial District, asked the commission to reconsider its decision to support the Corrections Advisory Board in not renewing Krueger's contract.
Olsen asked the commission to consider hearing Krueger's side of the issue.
Olsen said a performance evaluation was not completed in accordance with an interlocal agreement between the counties and judicial district.
Corrections Advisory Board decided not to renew Krueger's contract after the results of the evaluation were revealed. Olsen contends that Cecil Aska, court administrator, conducted the evaluation which should have been conducted by the advisory board.
A grievance has been filed by Krueger.
The commission will consult county attorney Susan Robson to determine the best course of action.
— The commission traveled to Florence to tour a vacant building in Florence as a possible jail site.
The next commission meeting is at 9 a.m. Monday in the courthouse.
