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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Wapello County Board of Supervisors met Thursday afternoon, discussing many items on their first agenda of 2013.

The supervisors approved to commit certain about of funds to the Area 15 Regional Planning Commission. The Commission helps give rental assistance to those in need throughout Area 15 in the State of Iowa.

“One of our goals is to reclaim some of the dilapidated housing in this area and help those owners get those houses fixed up so that they can become more livable; and become less of an eye-sore for their communities. Also, a part of that, about $30,000 for our county alone, will go toward rental assistance. So we are investing $5,000 and getting back six times that is one way of looking at it,” said Wapello County Supervisor Greg Kenning.

Also on the Thursday’s agenda, Wapello County Sheriff Mark Miller asked the supervisors to appoint Deputy Don Phillips as Wapello County’s Chief Deputy. The board approved the recommendation.

The Wapello County Board of Supervisors also thanked many employees throughout the county for years of service.

Supervisor Greg Kenning was appointed the chair for 2013, while Supervisor Jerry Parker was appointed the vice-chair for 2013.