— Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Tyler Anderson.

It takes anywhere from five months to a half year, and county departments must be meticulous when it comes to their respective budgets. While funds can be amended, should there be an emergency or a solid reason to transfer money from one department to another, they are usually set for the upcoming fiscal year.

In their latest meeting, held on Tuesday at the Hamilton County Courthouse, 2300 Superior St., Webster City, the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors gave the proverbial thumbs up to a resolution that handled departmental appropriations for the 2024 fiscal year.

The extensive list adds up to a total budget of $23.8 million.

According to Rick Young, Hamilton County supervisor, while it may have taken less than a few moments, the resolution was months in the making.

“It may seem like a quick motion, but we spent five to six months to get to this point of it,” Young said. “We looked at almost everything, right down to every penny of what each department uses.”

Jerry Kloberdanz, board chairman, echoed Young’s sentiment.

“It is down to the penny,” Kloberdanz said. “We look at everybody’s budget very closely.”

Within the 21-minute meeting, salary certifications for the 2024 fiscal year, cell phone reimbursements and agreements with unions representing law enforcement and secondary roads from 2024 to 2026 were approved.

The Hamilton County Medical Examiner, Dr. Jon Ahrendsen, will receive a medical examiner investigator in Katie Schlicting.

Ahrendsen, who is based in Clarion, covers both Hamilton County and Wright County. Should the situation arises, Schlicting — based out of Belmond — would be available in medical investigations, such as sudden, unnatural, suspicious or violent deaths.

In departmental updates, county officials stressed that, with Independence Day coming up, for residents to be mindful when operating fireworks.

“It’s still pretty dry out there, so we definitely want to be careful with the fireworks,” Kloberdanz said.

Genealogy research has also started up again, which is handled by Kim Anderson, Hamilton County Recorder. Hamilton County is experimenting with managing subscriptions to various genealogy-centric services, which go on for a six-month period.

It’s available on the public terminal at the courthouse.

Shelby Kroona, public health director for Hamilton County, provided updates from her department, who will deliver sunscreen to the county swimming pools. They will be handing out sunscreen samples at Thursday’s Market Night in downtown Webster City.

Ryan Weidemann of the engineer’s office and second roads department gave the latest on road construction within the county. While the roads around Williams will be open during its annual Fourth of July celebration and throughout the summer months, Weidemann expressed caution and patience should visitors use those blacktops.

“The roads will be open, but just be aware of some rough roads and transitions,” Weidemann said.