(Cass Co) The Cass County Board of Supervisors approved a request from Noble Initiative Foundation for a no-interest loan of $300,000 in economic development funds.
Matt Leighton, Vice President of the Noble Initiative Foundation, explained that the Foundation was developed to address the evolving needs of the community. A few years ago, a needs survey identified childcare as the top priority, followed by housing and mental health. In response, the Foundation constructed a childcare center, and now, they are focusing on the second priority—housing. They plan to build a spec house to meet this need.
Leighton said the spec house is the reason for requesting the $300,000 no-interest loan. After some discussion, the Supervisors approved the loan at zero percent interest, to be funded from the proceeds of the Valley Business Park fund, which is earmarked for economic development. Board Chair Steve Baier abstained from voting.
In other action, the Supervisors approved the first reading of Ordinance Number 7, Veterans Emergency Assistance Program, which was amended with corrected dates. The Supervisors then waived the second reading and approved the third and final reading of the ordinance.
The Supervisors then approved some housekeeping items that included: Resolution 2025-31, terminating the Cass County Cass-Audubon Border Economic Development Urban Renewal Plan and ending the Valley Business Park Urban Renewal Area. Similarly, Resolution 2025-32 terminated the Cass County Amaizing Energy Urban Renewal Plan and ended the Amaizing Energy Urban Renewal Area.
Additionally, the Supervisors approved two ordinances that repeal previous tax division provisions. Ordinance No. 27, which addressed the division of taxes in the Valley Business Park Urban Renewal Area, and Ordinance No. 28, concerning the Amaizing Energy Urban Renewal Area, were both officially repealed.
The Supervisors approved the Cass County Segregation of Duties Policy; appointed Amy Smith to the Cass County Local Food Policy Council to fill a vacancy; and approved the Federal Aid Agreement to replace a bridge on Jasper Road, just east of the Pottawattamie County line, with twin box culverts.
