Iowa County votes to back ISAC brief defending local pipeline ordinances, declines funding request
Summary
After hearing from a guest who forwarded requests from Wright County landowners, the Board voted to support an ISAC amicus/analytical brief upholding local pipeline ordinance authority but rejected a $500 donation request, approving non‑monetary support instead.
The Iowa County Board of Supervisors voted to support an amici/analytical brief circulated by the Iowa State Association of Counties (ISAC) that defends county control over pipeline ordinances, but the board declined a request to contribute $500 toward litigation costs.
A guest (Speaker 6) relayed correspondence from landowners and county officials in Wright County seeking county support and an optional $500 contribution toward attorney fees and filing costs. The guest described ISAC s circulating a brief to support county ordinances being challenged in court for issues related to pipeline eminent‑domain authority.
Supervisors discussed the legal and budgetary ramifications. Several supervisors said they were sympathetic to counties seeking to defend local control and believed a formal letter or resolution of support was appropriate. Others warned about direct funding and whether county revenue sources could permissibly be used for litigation in another jurisdiction.
Motion and outcome: Speaker 3 moved "I'll make a motion to support without any monetary value." The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded dollar contribution.
What the vote means: Iowa County will register non‑monetary support for ISAC's brief defending local control against challenges to pipeline ordinances. The board did not authorize financial assistance.
Next steps: The board asked staff to prepare and send language conveying support to the appropriate contact.
