MONTROSE, Iowa (AP) - A group of citizens has been given approval to study consolidation options for Lee County, which has the unique distinction of two county seats.
The Lee County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 Tuesday for the citizen’s committee, the Burlington Hawk Eye reported (https://bit.ly/1l25eGb ).
Mary VanPelt suggested the creation of the group following an informational forum in March that aimed to discuss options to consolidate work within the county’s seats in Fort Madison and Keokuk.
VanPelt said she wants to end the county’s 150-year feud between the seats.
“I want this to be fair to everybody,” she said. “I’m just out to get this county united and give it what the citizens want.”
It’s unclear the extent of work the group will do, but at least one supervisor requested that VanPelt report findings monthly to officials.
Vice Chairman Matt Pflug, who opposed the committee, said the county should hire an outside source to study the issue. But Supervisor Ron Fedler said residents would probably oppose that idea.
“I don’t think the taxpayers of this county would be thrilled if we spend taxpayers’ money to bring people in to say what is best for this county,” he said.
Supervisor Gary Folluo also opposed the group.
“I don’t think it’s up to a citizens’ committee to recommend to elected officials on a decision like this,” he said.
VanPelt said she hopes the committee, which has at least eight members, will hold its first meeting at the end of April. She said she wants meetings to be held around the county.
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Information from: The Hawk Eye, https://www.thehawkeye.com
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