Winneshiek Supervisors Review Sheriff, Social Services Budgets Under Tight Constraints

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. DECORAH — Winneshiek County supervisors on Monday heard budget reviews and funding requests from county departments and local organizations, with officials repeatedly noting tight revenue limits driven by the state legislature. Winneshiek County Sheriff's Office County Sheriff Dan Marx opened the budget discussions, saying his proposed budget remains largely unchanged. He intentionally kept operating expenses flat for a third consecutive year, aside from roughly $4,000 in small increases tied to investigations and jail needs. "With the obvious constraints with tax laws implemented by the state, I tried to make sure the budget reflected that," Marx said. "There's not a lot to work with." Marx said his department has already absorbed reductions in prior years, including a $50,000 cut to operations, and noted that rising costs continue even when budgets are not increased. Payroll and benefits, he emphasized, are not included in the flat operating figures. Supervisors asked about energy costs and whether solar power could offset utility expenses at county facilities. Marx said evaluations showed solar installation would not be cost-effective on its own, citing payback periods exceeding 25 years and installing panels on the relatively new jail roof. Vendors and reviewers, he said, advised against proceeding, though Marx said the option could be revisited when the roof is replaced. County Sanitation Sanitarian Doug Groux presented a budget with no changes from previous years. He said revenues typically fluctuate only slightly, and his proposed budget reflects a status quo approach. While spending remains flat, Groux said workload continues to rise, particularly in water testing. Since July, he has conducted 97 tests, a pace that could make 2025 the busiest year of his 28-year career. Testing is free once per property each year, a service becoming more time-consuming as public awareness of water quality grows. Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission The Winneshiek County Historic Preservation Commission (WCHPC) requested $2,600 in county funding, with $2,000 earmarked for special projects connected to the nation's upcoming 250th anniversary. WCHPC members outlined plans for a countywide historical workshop bringing together multiple local organizations, completion of a "Barns in Winneshiek County" tour guide, and digitization of historic township records for public access. The remaining funds would support education efforts and basic office expenses. Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation A major portion of the meeting focused on funding requests from Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC), which provides social services across seven counties. Executive Director Trisha Wilkins told supervisors the agency served 886 people in Winneshiek County last year, providing more than $380,000 in direct financial assistance, including $185,000 in low-income home energy aid and additional support through crisis programs (LIHEAP). Wilkins said NEICAC relies heavily on federal funding, about three-quarters of its $12 million budget, making it vulnerable to freezes or shutdowns. Local county support helps stabilize services when federal funds are delayed. Martin Ahrndt, the agency's outreach director and administrator of the county's General Relief program, asked supervisors to maintain General Relief funding at $26,000. Last fiscal year, $4,358 was used to help 13 households with utilities and three funerals. From July through November, just over $500 has been spent, though Ahrndt said usage typically rises later in the year as other crisis funds are exhausted. Riverview Center Supervisors also heard a funding request from Sexual Assault Therapist Mindy Meyers of Riverview Center, which provides sexual assault advocacy and therapy services in Winneshiek County and the surrounding region. Meyers said the organization is seeking a modest increase, citing rising demand for services as awareness and reporting continue to grow. Riverview Center provides counseling, advocacy, emergency assistance and community outreach, with services delivered both in Decorah and throughout the county to reduce transportation barriers. Stay connected and informed! Join the free newsletter for curated news, trending topics, and insider perspectives you won't find anywhere else.