The Hardin County Board of Supervisors held its organizational meeting Friday, Jan. 2, setting leadership roles and outlining county operations for the new year.
Supervisors elected Lance Granzow as board chair and B.J. Hoffman as vice chair for 2026. The board approved the county’s meeting schedule, official holidays and designated the Times-Citizen, Ackley World Journal and Eldora Herald-Ledger as legal newspapers. Supervisors also made numerous annual appointments to county boards and commissions, including conservation, zoning, health and emergency management.
Several resolutions were approved addressing county finances and operations, including naming depositories, adopting an investment policy, approving road embargos and temporary road closures, and authorizing attendance at Iowa State Association of Counties meetings. Agreements for medical examiner services were also approved.
During public comment, Phil Goedken, a certified EMT, addressed the board regarding a potential “EMS as an Essential Service” referendum, offering guidance on voter communication and township involvement. Supervisor Hoffman echoed the importance of careful planning to ensure equitable EMS service across the county.
