Supervisors hear from county attorney on legal issue

At the Monday meeting of the Wright County Board of Supervisors, Eric Simonson, Wright County Attorney, spoke before the board about a legal matter. He discussed the possible appointment of an attorney to act as county attorney in a post-conviction relief court proceeding due to recusal of the county attorney’s office. The matter pertains to a felony conviction dating back about four years ago. The person convicted has filed for post-conviction relief action, which is similar to an appeal but handled by the district court. Simonson explained that he may be called as a witness so neither he nor his office can handle the case. He is consulting with a Fort Dodge attorney about possibly taking the case on. He will update the board on the matter after he has talked to the attorney.

Wright County Public Health Director Sandy McGrath gave a brief COVID update. She noted that things have been pretty quiet and the county’s healthcare systems are handling any cases. The county has had 3,614 cases since the beginning of the pandemic and is at a 57.3% vaccination rate. McGrath added that Public Health is still offering vaccinations at their office on Tuesday and Thursdays.

The board approved another year contract for Child Support Staff between the Iowa Department of Human Services, Bureau of Collections and the Webster County (Host) Political Subdivision. 

The Board set a public hearing for a budget amendment pertaining to secondary roads. Peggy Schluttenhofer, Wright County Treasurer, requested another abatement of taxes on a building on leased land where the taxes is deemed uncollectable. The building was a snow cone stand in Belmond with taxes totaling $212. They approved the abatement.