Bremer County officials are preparing for the growing role of artificial intelligence in county operations while trying to balance new technology needs with cybersecurity concerns and rising hardware costs.
Nate Koehler, the county’s MIS director, told the Bremer County Board of Supervisors Sept. 15 that his department is working on several technology projects, including an email migration, data center upgrades, wireless infrastructure improvements and a countywide security camera system.
But the discussion also turned toward artificial intelligence and how rapidly developing technology could affect both the county’s operations and its cybersecurity.
Supervisor Bob Brunkhorst asked Koehler how much the county is having to invest in AI as the technology continues to gain attention.
Koehler said the county is not currently operating its own large language models, but employees are already using AI tools and the county will need to remain attentive to how the technology becomes incorporated into other systems.
“From your desk to help you, it’s a great tool,” Koehler said. “You just have to be careful what you put in.”
Koehler said the county already has an AI policy intended to address some of those concerns, but he expects the county will need to revisit the issue as technology develops.
He also pointed to cybersecurity as one of the more significant concerns surrounding AI. While AI can increase productivity, the same technology can make it easier for people to conduct cyberattacks, he said.
The Supervisors agreed the county needs to be proactive.
Koehler said his department is looking at grant opportunities that could help offset technology expenses, particularly in cybersecurity and software.
That need is becoming more pressing as the cost of computer hardware increases. Koehler said the county saw the price of a new computer increase by about $300 over a two-month period, driven in part by demand for memory and graphics processing units used for AI.
“So it’s going to continue rising,” Koehler said of the rising costs.
County Considers Farm Tiling Project
The board heard an update on plans to improve drainage at the county farm, a plan that’s been discussed for several meetings.
County Auditor Shelley Wolf presented estimates developed by retired tiling contractor Randy Little after she mentioned the project to him. Little reviewed county farm maps and estimated the amount of tile that could be required at different spacing intervals.
At 60-foot spacing, the preliminary estimate is about 725 feet of tile per acre, while 70-foot spacing would require about 620 feet per acre.
Wolf said Little estimated installation could cost at least $1 per foot, though that does not include locating existing tile, potential new mains and outlets or other costs.
Supervisor Dewey Hildebrandt suggested the county consider hiring Little to help develop specifications for the project before seeking bids.
“He’s done amazing work here and he’s got a good start,” Hildebrandt said.
Wolf said Little appeared interested in assisting with the project and the board plans to discuss the matter further.
Supervisor Corey Cerwinske said the county should also consider incorporating a previously identified need for a deeper and longer main into the project.
Wolf acknowledged the drainage work would be a significant undertaking but said the size of the project could potentially reduce the cost per foot.
Other County Business
The board also approved a resolution formally establishing a 55 mph speed limit on B62 north of the Sumner city limits. County Engineer Landon Moore said county records contained a 1978 resolution establishing a 45 mph limit, but there was no documentation showing when the speed limit was changed to 55 mph. This new resolution ensures documentation of the change.
Supervisor Dewey Hildebrandt reported the Board of Health approved hiring Verona Portillo as a public health specialist. He said the department will now have two certified public health specialists rather than a certified nurse serving in that role.
When questioned about this, Public Health explained that each county operates differently and in counties like Butler, where communities are smaller and have fewer healthcare options, a nursing specialist is more common. Unlike Bremer County where emergency care, private practices and specialists are more readily available to their community.
Supervisor Corey Cerwinske provided an update on drainage concerns near Denver involving Schumacher Elevator and residents in an area affected by a drainage district. He said the Denver City Council decided to clean out the remaining portion of a waterway in an effort to improve water flow during heavy rainfall.
