Adam Schonert, owner of the catering company was introduced by Supervisor April Ely during the bi-monthly meeting of the Hamilton County Supervisors. The conference center will continue to serve the existing events and schedule new events, but the business model is changing.

Schonert, who said that over 50% of their business is through Iowa State University, explained that they serve from 10 to 1,000 people with their catering business. Their service area is within a 60 mile radius. He indicated the menu pricing used by the conference center is very close to their pricing.

“We feel we are uniquely equipped and relatively close,” said Schonert, “I feel this is mutually beneficial for both the county and my company, and we may be able to do more than offered in the past.”

Ely took the lead talking with Schonert and other options for the county.

“He is taking on all events already on the books with all the things that were promised,” she said.

Ottie Maxie, executive director of the Hamilton County Growth Partnership, has had experience working with Schonert, and offered his experience.

“The Ames Alliance utilizes Schonert for a number of events,” he explained, “We have four signature events that range from 25 to 1,000 people; after talking with Supervisor Ely, I called our assistant, who said ‘Schonert would not get the contract (with the Alliance) if it wasn’t excellent.'”

With a few details not worked out in the agreement, this was tabled.

“We are addressing this in phases,” said Ely.

They indicated this will be a solution for the short-term, but may also be a long-term solution.

“Great move!” said John Marvel, owner of Mornin’ Glory and a member of the Webster City city council. Marvel also spoke to their level of service, noting he had been to a number of events that they had catered.

A special meeting will be called to finalize the agreement with Schonert in the near future.

In other action, the county approved the salary certifications for the county employees, which included a 3% raise. Ely noted that there was a budget adjustment to conform to this raise for the administrative assistant for the county attorney, which had budgeted a salary of $61,000.

County Attorney Pat Chambers, spoke to this change. “I am offended by this action,” he said, “If I tried to go out in the market and hire, I couldn’t find anyone at this salary.”

He explained that with losing another employee, she has handled all the responsibilities for both positions in an expedient manner, and is well deserving of this amount.

“The bottom line is my budget is under what is budgeted for the next year,” he said.

Ely explained that there are other employees with 15 and 20 years of experience who do not receive this type of increase, and that they really need to keep to their 3% increase for all employees.

Other issues handled during the meeting included a reminder to Hamilton County residents of the bridge and road work being done in various parts of the county. Alternative routes will be necessary in some areas according to Hamilton County Engineer Ryan Wiedemann. Over the next few weeks signage will be changing on county roads, as speed limits will be changing on two lane roads starting July 1. Unless otherwise marked, paved roads will have speed limits increase to 60 mph.

In addition the fiscal year 2027 library contract with the county was renewed. The contract was renewed for the following distributions: Kendall Young Library: $20,170.20, Montgomery Memorial Library in Jewell for $13,901.80, and Ellsworth Public Library, Stanhope Public Library, Stratford Public Library and Williams Public Library each receiving $9,230.

Departmental updates included a reminder that firework usage needs to follow the regulations for fireworks requirements throughout the county.