[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6306092,"mediaKeyId","2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb","parentId",2442256,"title","Board appoints Zachary James to Page County Conservation Board","audioSeconds",258,"startMs",2428000,"endMs",2686000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb&start=2428&end=2686","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb/thumbnail_2428000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6306092/Page-County/Iowa/Board-appoints-Zachary-James-to-Page-County-Conservation-Board","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306092-d188954a4abedc2813ed8f2c3a17bc8e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770407707&Signature=CDWjRjmq0hltCUGjcMLlSIRSFOY-L3L4I5xeoTa51YU0jvaBzPgSAeuu1XIFf~FIoV3ri9zp26tujLJlOovnC52PizYWwnZuFmxfp5x51xeqoRbJxURvU3fs9AZuyynkxEGMYi3ctDaeVCjjVmSpmEb2NloBauxz76Xxw8ajFEP5xmzobCiSxcz8LXj1EkZCtP8v58LyKNE4WlJ7hG4BFiIFD2OsX09f-clqTlazdY-DIsPkK4vjpBcssuB7sPgmQb8GWimN8SRPSPk7jYpT3pOJhnnGZGmqLtldPiT8pk5fAR~EMH~Lov17Y6Y6LdtcclaXqm9YhsWyJzx0ihndDw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Page County, Iowa","date","2025-02-26T14:15:28Z","article","The Page County Board of Supervisors appointed Zachary James to the Page County Conservation Board after the conservation board interviewed candidates and recommended a nominee.

Board members said all three applicants were qualified; the conservation board recommended Zachary James and the board of supervisors voted to confirm that recommendation. The motion to appoint James was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Board members noted James’ local experience and familiarity with conservation work; one supervisor said he had known James for years and described him as “nice, smart” and likely to contribute useful ideas and energy to the board. The conservation board had interviewed Ricky Rivers and another applicant; Larry Shum told the board he withdrew his name from consideration because of retirement constraints but said he would continue to offer input to the conservation board informally.

The new appointment fills the vacancy on the conservation board; supervisors asked the appointee and conservation board to coordinate on forthcoming projects and volunteer efforts.

The motion to appoint Zachary James carried by voice vote.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Page County Iowa Board Meeting 2 25 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Page County Board of Supervisors appointed Zachary James to the county Conservation Board after the board’s interview and recommendation process; Larry Shum withdrew his application and Ricky Rivers remained a candidate.","taxTitle","taxId",28864,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6306095,"Supervisors keep levies unchanged for March postcard; discuss 911 console move and jail budget contingencies",1191,3630000,4821000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb&start=3630&end=4821","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb/thumbnail_3630000.jpg","/articles/6306095/Page-County/Iowa/Supervisors-keep-levies-unchanged-for-March-postcard-discuss-911-console-move-and-jail-budget-contingencies","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306095-af236f82cd3035649104da18c48e4cae/orig.mp4?Expires=1770407707&Signature=X~9jc~jikPyioEmm5QWFdr4kh1ke2rLvFm2pbhJVNrbAsuAtf23FiIYw0mw0EGnD8B50VXUxycNepCaxGJahP3qN1i0oezHm0SZ2~XaGcRBjS8aV9zsvUlMcutxDEpf8CVpw9y8-905RjTrr1y4iOj~Nia1N509Z~eluNAEDWo40x5DNrMPHj2gJvRbBW0ZgvB7~KnZ6J~J6rtc~KuexhwplTHw~RVM9gbFWZZN0Mr6AKuTjPKCjhThWJCQbEnr6GQY7~BzaU4AuKoNonhMw6XTxTB0-IYnsfv5h-3k~ekRVc1mCVUl5Kkc4kJViOBK6ZxawJVpHxJS5vA16MSDiPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Page County Board of Supervisors voted to leave county levies unchanged for the March 5 tax notice/postcard deadline, while continuing budget work on the jail project and other capital needs.

Supervisors said levies can still be lowered before final adoption but must be entered by the March 5 deadline to meet state timing for the postcard mailing. The board’s action was taken to allow staff to meet statutory deadlines while continuing detailed budget review.

During budget discussion county staff and department heads described potential added costs tied to the jail project. County staff reported estimates to move the 911 dispatch console into the new jail: Motorola estimated roughly $100,000 for its portion; ICN (state network) provided a rough estimate around $70,000 pending a site visit; a third vendor estimate of approximately $45,000 was also discussed. Staff said some of those costs may be included in current construction contract bid packages and that certain items could be absorbed within the project contingency rather than the EMA/911 budget alone.

Financial advisors and supervisors also noted premium dollars from the recent bond sale — about $220,000 from the current issuance and a similar amount from the earlier sale — that add to project resources and reduce the earlier projected funding shortfall.

Public comment included concerns about the FY26 budget and property tax revenue projections. Cindy Van Boston, during public comment, asked for more transparency and questioned whether property tax revenue and levy rates will cover anticipated cost increases; supervisors replied that budget work and additional details would be provided during upcoming budget meetings.

The board scheduled follow‑up budget work and agreed to meet again for continued review; supervisors said they would seek additional detail from departments on equipment and timing before making further budget adjustments.","The board agreed to keep levy rates the same for the March 5 postcard deadline while discussing costs to move the 911 dispatch console to the new jail and possible budget impacts on the jail project and other county capital items.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6306097,"Page County libraries report rebound in visits, expanded services and hotspot checkouts",845,1429000,2274000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb&start=1429&end=2274","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb/thumbnail_1429000.jpg","/articles/6306097/Page-County/Iowa/Page-County-libraries-report-rebound-in-visits-expanded-services-and-hotspot-checkouts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306097-c92671836b7eed275b6cbea1b499d9af/orig.mp4?Expires=1770407707&Signature=TYONMWnZ1ENt4cmthmi7YZEqmoGNbxPJBED0WzZW33dd~kZFPyhXI2ieqXebMoToJYA3fj5WvU650Q6nlHU~zgQanUGEK2S0BRe11eULyBccMvMm0rEjhJ3iG0TDLXbvOHUXeLsP3QsDmnbrVtITdKkcrguwtCkkMG~EtPwIH5bLvxem7NFwwSo5WDxUABiegLjNEaiT8AV0avOmaiVBy8JLFs8rKc2gCLNk5zxksA3sTZ~54Mw5mJfTzGY1eekBzSFRcIyyqGkRxeXJAIcUcBmnenyoszLhFYH6pVklez1QxLyUfx0jyLJlyl3JNG32ABPaTCfRkAJhvauoJegoOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Directors of Page County’s four public libraries presented an annual report to the Board of Supervisors highlighting increases in visitors, program attendance and digital services.

Carrie (Shenandoah Public Library) told supervisors the county’s libraries saw almost 95,000 visitors over the year — roughly a 10% increase — and averaged about 316 visits per day across the four facilities. She said rural patrons accounted for a 12% rise in items borrowed (just over 9,000 items) and that hot spots funded in part by county support were checked out 684 times during the year.

The report listed other highlights: a 43% increase in public meeting‑room use (about 809 meetings countywide), 985 programs across the four libraries and 15,185 attendees at programs countywide. Directors said program and door counts are back to or above pre‑pandemic levels in several locations.

Library representatives described new and ongoing initiatives: a shared audiobook/e‑book service negotiated between Florinda and Shenandoah to lower costs, a “book bike” outreach trailer to take materials into neighborhoods and events, digitization of microfilm records, and volunteer‑led programming in small communities. Local branches also reported capital or remodeling needs; Coyne Library volunteers are funding a refresh through a May Day breakfast fundraiser, and other branches described partnerships with extension services and regional programs.

Supervisors thanked the directors for the report and noted the county’s recent local option tax allocation and other support for library services.

Directors in attendance included representatives from Shenandoah, Florinda (League) and Essex and Coyne libraries; they distributed annual reports and schedules of upcoming programs to the board.","Library directors presented the annual report showing increases in visits, program attendance and digital services across the four Page County libraries and outlined partnerships and capital projects including a book bike and ongoing facility work.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6306098,"Page County awards $7.7 million jail bond to BOK Financial at 3.66% interest",308,2687000,2995000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb&start=2687&end=2995","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb/thumbnail_2687000.jpg","/articles/6306098/Page-County/Iowa/Page-County-awards-77-million-jail-bond-to-BOK-Financial-at-366-interest","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306098-4fda1c86a08d117b43f4f784a5608490/orig.mp4?Expires=1770407707&Signature=ZWNfrMCS-c1p2NSkZ5Dihd4JuF1BXzbd3IdAcgSEezrqQmpNa3pJeYi5zxG2rJ5oIXPlvYkbnlUBk9pCvUvJ7sTVT2I1NvMW9cbq5eRniq7lVzmm84tJFc5v4bqpyXlen7g8zW~yA2dlBul0Gc01lV9cXlAJBAy9G7csDzKzjrM1mmKusv87whFXAUX4ThjM~qqrVLeqvobzTNDPhvbJx4LTj4BghKZQ1kNKcnYKkc62R9SIx4RGYVQntuLjdK9B7wEET1pMqgU0Yh75jWVJ1lI4ta-TPvloHyWjM~rA4a91x7qppAtJeQSNrlKMJDm09QbBvWUUB7kggshaki7Ykw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Page County Board of Supervisors accepted the low bid to sell $7,700,000 of general obligation jail bonds to BOK Financial at a true interest rate of roughly 3.6636%, board members were told.

Maggie Berger, representing Spear Financial, told supervisors the county received six bids and recommended awarding the bonds to BOK Financial. Berger said Moody’s reaffirmed Page County’s AA3 rating during the sale process and that the sale generated roughly $220,000 in premium dollars to the county, money received upfront that reduces the county’s net borrowing cost.

Berger summarized the proposal: “This is a fantastic rate in today's market,” she said, and noted the bonds will be callable after June 1, 2032. She added that the county has the legal option under state law to accept the low bid or reject all bids; the recommendation was to accept the low bid.

The board voted to accept the recommendation and award the bonds to BOK Financial. Supervisors thanked staff and the financial team for their work on the sale.

Details provided to the board included the true interest rate (3.6636%), the AA3 rating confirmation by Moody’s and the expected premium of about $220,000 on the issuance. The bond proceeds represent the second borrowing under the voter‑approved jail project limit; earlier proceeds and premiums were discussed during the meeting as part of the overall project financing.

The board made the award by motion and voice vote (motion carried).","Supervisors accepted the low bid for $7.7 million of general obligation bonds to fund the county jail project and were briefed on the county's AA3 rating and premium dollars received.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":56,"_68":69,"_70":56,"_71":72,"_73":72},6306099,"Page County Board approves transfer of Shenandoah Hills road-use agreement to MidAmerican Energy",2897,486000,3383000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb&start=486&end=3383","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2442256-575ca263dbc1b58a7f118a84d32c80fb/thumbnail_486000.jpg","/articles/6306099/Page-County/Iowa/Page-County-Board-approves-transfer-of-Shenandoah-Hills-road-use-agreement-to-MidAmerican-Energy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6306099-285549fc5ac79b188ff475c062bb75bc/orig.mp4?Expires=1770407707&Signature=Ov1Ov4e5vaCxQWVpWdmMV1EVCnPMUdv4QzkP0GHGH6~apM986mTKh64LtNyESuCYRFb9PilI7Gakj-viZ3PESdIp~Iws9EqFYFBMXGIhy4ZEr9M-7T0hEeTVDX3LEZBnJahZABcYXk-rqJ5qX3CSCLsAwMKgyGO01PHHWS1ZSTkDjJ5DzKsg5IKqmiG63Lk~64rjux-LL95uc8svOco1OtllARX9X3AoDZ9Pp2vZakfOsGNJKSohT7Yk0YByo1gbNW~6asi2AGFvRphP9H84GsU8NKB60gLpVjTfEBss~OK0~k9Tvy3rAcsg7xCRSnGhiotWJ40wt09m2bmjTZ2FLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Page County Board of Supervisors voted to approve the transfer of the road‑use agreement and related project approvals for the Shenandoah Hills wind project to MidAmerican Energy Company, clearing the way for MidAmerican to assume construction and operation obligations under the existing settlement and county approvals.

The action formalizes a planned ownership assignment from Shenandoah Hills/Invenergy to MidAmerican and affirms that MidAmerican “will accept and abide by the terms governing the CWEC’s approval and the associated agreements,” according to Dan Bitchfield, who identified himself as representing Shenandoah Hills Wind Project and Invenergy.

Why it matters: the approval confirms MidAmerican may proceed with construction under the county’s existing Commercial Wind Energy Conversion System (CWECS) approval and settlement agreement without additional special permits, though generally applicable building, entrance, right‑of‑way and utility permits will still be required.

Dan Bitchfield told the board the developer has completed several settlement commitments: “We have dismissed the lawsuits against the county. We have confirmed the turbine locations and the specific models, and we have begun the neighbor agreement outreach.” He said the outreach contacted 100% of adjacent property owners: 68 total, with four signed agreements, seven refusals, 19 considering and the remainder not yet responding.

Kelsey Ballard, representing MidAmerican Energy Company, said the company will adhere to the negotiated location setbacks and other conditions: “We do agree to abide by those, including those land agreements you asked about.” Ballard said MidAmerican plans to begin turbine deliveries in June (weather dependent) and aims to complete turbines by the end of the calendar year, with initial work beginning in neighboring Fremont County then moving into Page County.

County legal counsel and outside counsel described the legal posture: the board was told there is no active litigation that would invalidate the county permits; outstanding appeals noted by counsel related to sanctions and a separate open‑meetings claim remanded to district court do not affect the county’s CWECS approval. The board’s motion approving the transfer also included language that the assignment authorizes MidAmerican to “proceed with construction of the CWECS project and all associated facilities including turbines, collection lines, ADLS structures and all other project components without need for additional permits or approvals except for generally applicable building permits, utility permits, entrance permits, and right of way permits.”

The motion was seconded and approved by the board (vote recorded as passed). After the vote supervisors said the transfer clears procedural steps needed prior to the buyer’s closing; counsel and company representatives said closing was expected within days.

The county and company representatives emphasized no changes to the payment structure tied to state law taxing rules for wind are anticipated; Dan Bitchfield and Kelsey Ballard told supervisors the ownership change would not alter easement payments to landowners or the replacement tax mechanism that governs wind taxation in Iowa.

The board did not identify additional conditions beyond those contained in the settlement and the CWECS approval. Supervisors and counsel directed staff to continue coordination with the company on construction scheduling and local contacts.

Looking ahead: MidAmerican representatives said they will finalize construction plans and maintain ongoing communications with county staff and landowners as construction begins.","The Page County Board of Supervisors voted to approve assigning the road‑use agreement for the Shenandoah Hills wind project to MidAmerican Energy and acknowledged MidAmerican will follow existing settlement and permit terms as it completes construction and operations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board appoints Zachary James to Page County Conservation Board

Supervisors keep levies unchanged for March postcard; discuss 911 console move and jail budget contingencies

Page County libraries report rebound in visits, expanded services and hotspot checkouts

Page County awards $7.7 million jail bond to BOK Financial at 3.66% interest

Page County Board approves transfer of Shenandoah Hills road-use agreement to MidAmerican Energy