Cattle expansion draws concerns from neighbors at Williams
By Lori Berglund – Daily Freeman-Journal EditorAfter decades on the decline, cattle numbers in Hamilton County will be getting a boost soon, but not without questions from neighbors and concerns about how much is too much when it comes to proper siting for large livestock facilities.
Boothill Cattle Confinement, owned by Summit Farms, is planning to expand it current 900-head beef cattle operation to a permitted capacity of 2,990. That will put nearly 3,000 head of cattle approximately one mile northeast of Williams.
Noting that their authority is only to check distances to make sure the request is within the law, Hamilton County Supervisors on Tuesday held a public hearing and unanimously approved a request for construction permit. It will now go before the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for final approval. As proposed, the new construction will include two buildings; one 45' by 725 feet, and one 45' by 302 feet.
The public hearing did provide a forum for at least one neighboring resident to speak about his concerns. Laurel Thomas emphasized that he is definitely not "anti livestock," but he is very concerned about the choice of this particular location.
"I don't think this is a place to do an expansion," Thomas said, adding that that there is already a "high concentration" of livestock facilities in the area. "My acreage is virtually worthless because of it," he added.
Thomas was also somewhat frustrated about the apparent lack of authority for local officials to really do anything about the request, so long as it meets state specifications.
"At some point we have to distinguish between what's legal and what's ethical," Thomas said.
Located on 180th Street in Section 26 of Williams Township, Thomas said the current livestock operation is already taking a heavy toll on that gravel road.
"The road is beat to death," Thomas said.
Supervisor Wes Sweedler said supervisors are also concerned about damage inflicted upon county roads by heavy equipment - at this or any location. And while the county in the past has not assessed for damage to roads, it is a possibility for the future. However, Sweedler continued to encourage cooperation.
"We need to be a good neighbor," Sweedler said "If everybody works together it can be less of a problem."
Supervisor Dave Young, himself a livestock producer, voiced his frustration with state regulations that mean counties do not benefit from any increased revenue as the result of expanded livestock operations.
Counties across Iowa do not get one penny more in increased revenue from such expansions, according to Young, and that's one issue that county officials continue to take up with legislators.
On the flip side, Young noted that livestock expansions do bring more jobs to a community. However, county officials would like to see increased tax revenue to reflect the expansion which, as noted with the roads, may bring added costs.
Meanwhile, Thomas questioned the value of those jobs and some of additional problems that may come along with them.
Conservation appointment
With the June resignation of Larry Haren from the Hamilton County Conservation Board, supervisors on Tuesday appointed Roger Lenz to fill the vacancy. Lenz, supervisors noted, will bring an interest in golf not prevalent among other current board members. Lenz will serve through the end of 2011.
Library funding
Supervisors on Tuesday also approved annual funding for Hamilton County Libraries. Sweedler noted that the total funding of $56,300 is roughly twice of that required by Iowa Code. The split, as determined by a joint committee of the libraries is as follows: Ellsworth, $7,319; Jewell, $11,024; Stanhope, $7,319; Stratford, $7,319; Webster City, $16,000; and Williams, $7,319.
In other action, supervisors approved a three-year contract with Clifton Gunderson for auditing services. The cost to the county will be $30,780 in the first year, $30,050 in the second year and $31,500 in the final year.
Approved a Substance Abuse Prevention agreement with the Iowa Department of Public Health.Locally, prevention services will be provided by Youth and Family and Community and Family Resources. State funding is $10,000, with a $30,000 county match, including contributions from cities within the county.
Approved cell phone reimbursement of $10 per month for employees as approved by department heads. The only change to this policy was the inclusion of RSVP.
