On the agenda: Wapello County Minutes — Data Center (Jul 28)

Working Session- July 28, 2026
Board of Supervisors
Special Meeting
Roll Call: Chair Darren Batterson; Vice Chair Carrie Teninty; Supervisor Bryan Ziegler; Karen
Wilcoxson, Assistant to the Board of Supervisors; Sid Samuels, The Samuels Group; Chayce
Cohen, The Samuels Group; Chad Drury, Ottumwa Courier; Don Phillips, Sheriff; Steviee Grove,
County Attorney; Scott Hastings, County Attorney’s Office; Jason Fuller, Sheriff’s Department;
Chaylee Goodvin, Sheriff’s Department; Deb Schlechter; Miranda Baialey, Zoning; Brad Skinner,
Engineer; Travis Kaster, Assessor.
10:00 a.m. Work Session was called to order by Chair, Batterson. Vice Chair Teninty moved,
seconded by Supervisor Ziegler, All Ayes. Motion Carried.
Jail Expansion – In the meeting it was discussed the significant increase in inmate population
over the next few years and the need for the jail expansion project. The discussion covered size
of the expansion, cost for operation, cost to build, grants, bonds, and the deadline to get it on
the ballot for the citizens to vote. The service contract needs to be on the August 11 Board
Meeting to decide whether Option A or B is how we want to proceed. We would then contact
Ahlers and Cooney so they can get their paperwork drawn up.
Private Property Burials – There was a resident of the county requested to be buried on their
own property. The recommendation is to not allow this to happen and that it goes to the Zoning
Committee for an Ordinance. It’s not very favorable to the county to have to care for the burial
site.
Other Business – Data Center on 8/11/2026 agenda for discussion.
11:21 a.m. A motion for the meeting to adjourn was made by Supervisor Ziegler, seconded by
Vice Chair Teninty. All ayes. Motion Carried.
Minutes submitted by: ksw