Read our Latest Week in Review

The Week in Review for Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, is now available.

Read the Week in Review to find out the latest County news, important services, recaps from the Board of Supervisors' meetings, and more!

Sign up to receive this directly to your inbox!...

Mental Health Access Center Now Open 24/7

Adults 18 years of age or older who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can now receive services from the Linn County Mental Health Access Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year without an appointment. The expanded ...

Linn County Unveils Track-a-Plow Website

Linn County residents can now see the locations of Linn County snowplows during snow events. This new, online program uses AVL (automated vehicle location) technology to provide current and historical locations of snowplows on Linn County’s seco...

Public Invited to Share Input as Linn County Develops its Budget

Planning is underway for Linn County’s fiscal year 2025 budget. The budget will be developed over the next two and a half months during a series of more than 20 public meetings between the Linn County Board of Supervisors, other Linn County elected offici...

Linn County Now Accepting Witwer Trust Grant Applications

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications for the fiscal year 2024 Witwer Trust Grant Program. Eligible nonprofit organizations in Linn County may apply for grant funding for projects that benefit Linn County residents.

Th...

Linn County Board of Supervisors Approves Agritourism Ordinance

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances regarding agricultural tourism and agricultural experiences in Linn County. The new ordinance streamlines the approval process for the majority of a...

Linn County Earns Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded Linn County the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the...

Second Emergency Rental Assistance Program Launches to Help Linn County Renters Find Stability

Financial help is now available through the Linn County Emergency Rent Assistance Program for eligible Linn County residents falling behind on rent payments. Linn County received $5.59 million in the reallocation of funds received from the Federal Emergen...

Linn County Assessor Earns Statewide Award

Linn County Assessor Jerry Witt was nominated by his peers and selected to receive the “Outstanding Member” Award at the Iowa State Association of Assessor’s (ISAA) Annual Conference and School of Instruction held in Des Moines earlier this month. The rec...

Most Property Assessment Values to Rise in 2023 as Part of Nationwide Trend

Property assessments for 2023 will be mailed in the next couple of months in Linn County. Iowa code requires residential property to be valued at market value in odd numbered years. This will be happening throughout the state for 2023. Almost all resident...

Linn County Attorney Issues Updated Statement on Investigation into the Death of Devonna Walker

Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks has issued an updated statement regarding the status of the investigation into the death of Devonna Walker. Maybanks released his statement via video today, Feb. 3, 2023. The video is available on Linn County’s Facebook ...

Recorder's Office and Auditor's Office Hours Change

Starting Sept. 1, 2023, the Recorder's Office and Auditor's Office will have new hours. From that day forward, these offices will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except holidays. Election deadlines that require Election Services to ...

the Oak Hickory news: December 2023

The Oak Hickory news is published three times a year by the Linn County Conservation Department. The December 2023 edition includes:

• Efforts continue to protect our freshwater mussels
• State Preserves donated to Linn County Conservation
• Another successful sum...

Linn County Conservation Wins National Park and Recreation Award

The Linn County Conservation Board won the National Association of Parks and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) 2023 Area and Facility Award for the recent Morgan Creek Park redevelopment. This award recognizes excellence in park and recreation areas, recreati...

Pinicon Ridge Park dam modification to begin this fall

The Linn County Conservation Board has awarded a contract for improvements on the Pinicon Ridge Park dam located along the Wapsipinicon River in Central City just east of Highway 13. This project will address safety, fish habitat and river recreation pass...

Recorder's Office and Auditor's Office Hours Change

Starting Sept. 1, 2023, the Recorder's Office and Auditor's Office will have new hours. From that day forward, these offices will be open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except holidays. Election deadlines that require Election Services to ...

Linn County Unveils Track-a-Plow Website

Linn County residents can now see the locations of Linn County snowplows during snow events. This new, online program uses AVL (automated vehicle location) technology to provide current and historical locations of snowplows on Linn County’s secondary road...

Auction Items on Public Surplus

Used equipment and other items have been listed on www.publicsurplus.com. The online auction will last 14 days. 

Please search www.publicsurplus.com for Linn County to see the items that we currently have for sale.

Second Emergency Rental Assistance Program Launches to Help Linn County Renters Find Stability

Financial help is now available through the Linn County Emergency Rent Assistance Program for eligible Linn County residents falling behind on rent payments. Linn County received $5.59 million in the reallocation of funds received from the Federal Emergen...

Mental Health Access Center Now Open 24/7

Adults 18 years of age or older who are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can now receive services from the Linn County Mental Health Access Center 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year without an appointment. The expanded ...

Linn County Unveils Track-a-Plow Website

Linn County residents can now see the locations of Linn County snowplows during snow events. This new, online program uses AVL (automated vehicle location) technology to provide current and historical locations of snowplows on Linn County’s secondary road...

Linn County Board of Supervisors Approves Agritourism Ordinance

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances regarding agricultural tourism and agricultural experiences in Linn County. The new ordinance streamlines the approval process for the majority of a...

Linn County Earns Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded Linn County the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Award for...

Public Invited to Share Input as Linn County Develops its Budget

Planning is underway for Linn County’s fiscal year 2025 budget. The budget will be developed over the next two and a half months during a series of more than 20 public meetings between the Linn County Board of Supervisors, other Linn County elected offici...

Veterans and Their Families Receive Veterans Benefits with Help from Linn County Veteran Affairs

Successful compensation and pension applications will result in more than $63 million in federal veterans benefits for Linn County veterans this year.

This Veterans Day, the Linn County Veteran Affairs Department thanks all veterans for their service and w...

Linn County Now Accepting Witwer Trust Grant Applications

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications for the fiscal year 2024 Witwer Trust Grant Program. Eligible nonprofit organizations in Linn County may apply for grant funding for projects that benefit Linn County residents.

Th...

Second Emergency Rental Assistance Program Launches to Help Linn County Renters Find Stability

Financial help is now available through the Linn County Emergency Rent Assistance Program for eligible Linn County residents falling behind on rent payments. Linn County received $5.59 million in the reallocation of funds received from the Federal Emergen...

Take Control in 1, 2, 3 During National Preparedness Month

September marks National Preparedness Month, the annual recognition to remind everyone in America how important it is for individuals, families, and communities to prepare for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. Linn County encourages r...

Linn County Board of Supervisors Awards $100,000 in Economic & Community Development Funds

The Linn County Board of Supervisors this week awarded $100,000 in economic and community development funding to 13 Linn County organizations. Requests for this year’s funding totaled more than $428,000. 

The purpose of the Linn County Economic &a...

Public Meetings Scheduled for Review of Updated Utility-Scale Solar Ordinance

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has set meeting dates and times to hear the proposed ordinance changes for utility-scale solar projects in Linn County. 

The first reading is scheduled for Sept. 5, 2023. The second reading is scheduled for Sep...

The Next PACT Act Deadline: Health Care Enrollment for Veterans Who Deployed to Combat Zones

Until 11:59 p.m. local time on Sept. 30, 2023, veterans who deployed to a combat zone, never enrolled in VA health care, and left active duty between Sept. 11, 2001, and Oct. 1, 2013, are eligible to enroll directly in VA health care. This specia...

Property Tax Statements Arriving in Mail Soon

The semiannual installment of property and mobile home tax statements are being mailed this week and will be arriving in mailboxes soon. The deadline to pay the first half of property taxes without penalty this year is Oct. 2, 2023. A penalty of 1.5% will...

Linn County Accepting Applications for Legacy & Community Attraction Funds

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications for the Legacy & Community Attraction Fund grant program. The Board of Supervisors established the Linn County Legacy & Community Attraction Fund to foster and support long-standin...

Central City Community School District Special Election

A special election for the Central City Community School District Physical Plant and Equipment Levy will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. Ballot language to be considered by the voter is:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Central City Community School...

Linn County Issues Statement on the Passing of Former Linn County Supervisor John Harris

Today, Linn County Board of Supervisors member Ben Rogers issued the following statement on the passing of former Linn County Supervisor John Harris:

"It is with a heavy heart that we mourn the passing of John Harris, who died July 18, 2023, after a l...

Alliance for Equitable Housing Releases Progress Report

The Alliance for Equitable Housing is a community collaboration that was created out of disaster response from both the COVID-19 pandemic and the August 2020 derecho. The Alliance for Equitable Housing started in early 2021 to bring together community exp...

June is PTSD Awareness Month

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can greatly impact any person who has experienced trauma in their life. While PTSD is often associated with the aftermath and symptoms many veterans experience, anyone can develop PTS...

Linn County Supports Local Preservation Efforts by Awarding Grants to Eight Local Non-Profits

The Linn County Board of Supervisors today awarded $28,800 from the Linn County Historic Preservation Grant Program to eight non-profit organizations in Linn County. The recipients were selected through an annual competitive process.

The Linn County Histor...

Linn County Funds Local Human Service Agencies

Linn County distributed more than $250,000 this week to local human service agencies that address important community needs, such as: 

• Food insecurities
• Housing
• Adult and child health/dental care
• Domestic violence
• Recidivism
• Transportation

The funding c...

May is Building Safety Month

Linn County is celebrating Building Safety Month, a worldwide campaign presented by the International Code Council to promote building safety.

Building Codes Protect You

Building codes are there to protect you and your loved ones and to help ensure safety i...

Linn County Attorney Sounds Alarm on the Dangers of Eluding Police

Noting a concerning trend of an increase in incidents of drivers attempting to elude the police and high-speed chases in Linn County, Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks conducted an audit of all eluding arrests in Linn County since the beginning of the ye...

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health. 

More and more people are talking about the importance of mental health and seeing it for what it is: one important c...

Linn County Restarts Pipeline Ordinance Draft

The Linn County Board of Supervisors agreed to send the draft ordinance regulating the placement of carbon pipelines in Linn County back to the Planning & Zoning Commission to address concerns identified in the current draft. 

In December 2022...

Linn County Adopts Fiscal Year 2024 Budget

At its April 19 meeting, the Linn County Board of Supervisors approved a $152.2 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2024 following five months of public meetings and two public hearings.

The newly approved budget increases the countywide levy (property...

New Veterans Hunting, Fishing Licenses Available Now

The new Armed Forces Hunting and Fishing licenses are now available to residents of Iowa who served in the armed forces of the United States on federal active duty. The new annual fishing license, or hunting and fishing combo license, is $5, with a $2 pro...

Property Assessment Increases

Linn County property owners are receiving their 2023 assessments and many have had questions regarding the increase from 2021 assessments. Here is what you need to know:

Iowa code requires residential property to be valued (assessed) at market value in odd...

New Property Tax Lookup Tool Now Available

Linn County has created a new online tool that provides increased transparency of the property tax collection and distribution process. The site includes interactive maps, a dashboard, and charts that show countywide property tax statistics, the tax bill ...

Read the Linn County Sustainability Department Year in Review

In 2022, the Linn County Sustainability Department led important programs that continued Linn County’s focus on environmental sustainability, resource protection, and securing an environmentally just future for Linn County residents.

The department led the...

Linn County Attorney Files Criminal Charges in the Homicide of Devonna Walker

The Arrest of Shane Teslik and the Criminal Charges

On Feb. 27, 2023, the Linn County Attorney’s Office authorized criminal charges against Shane Teslik, age 37, related to the stabbing death of Devonna Walker on Jan. 2, 2023, at 2135 North Towne Court NE,...

Linn County Recognized as U.S. Best-in-Class Employer by Gallagher

Linn County was recently recognized as a Best-in-Class Employer that enhances employee and organizational wellbeing through innovative organizational structures, workplace policies, and total rewards, which inclusively engage and motivate its employees.&a...

Linn County Secondary Road Department Releases 2023 Maintenance Plan and Five-Year Construction Plan

The Linn County Secondary Road Department has released its maintenance plan for 2023 and the five-year construction plan for fiscal years 2024-2028. The plans outline the department’s focus on repairing and rebuilding bridges, maintaining the condition of...

Subscribe to our Veteran Affairs eNewsletter

Linn County Veteran Affairs is launching a new quarterly eNewsletter! 

Subscribe today to stay informed about veteran services available from Linn County and receive important updates from Linn County Veteran Affairs directly to your inbox.

Linn Co...

Linn County Funds Library Access for Rural Residents

The Linn County Board of Supervisors approved the County’s annual funding allocation to the libraries in Cedar Rapids, Center Point, Central City, Coggon, Ely, Fairfax, Hiawatha, Lisbon, Marion, Mount Vernon, and Springville. The Board of Supervisors prov...

Linn County Attorney Issues Updated Statement on Investigation into the Death of Devonna Walker

Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks has issued an updated statement regarding the status of the investigation into the death of Devonna Walker. Maybanks released his statement via video today, Feb. 3, 2023. The video is available on Linn County’s Facebook ...

Most Property Assessment Values to Rise in 2023 as Part of Nationwide Trend

Property assessments for 2023 will be mailed in the next couple of months in Linn County. Iowa code requires residential property to be valued at market value in odd numbered years. This will be happening throughout the state for 2023. Almost all resident...

Linn County Conservation Releases 2022 Annual Report

The Linn County Conservation Board has released the 2022 Annual Report. In addition to financial information from fiscal year 2022, highlights in the report include:

• Continued forest restoration after the 2020 derecho 
• Expansion of Morgan Creek Par...

Statement from Linn County Attorney on the Investigation into the Death of Devonna Walker

The Linn County Attorney’s Office received the final investigative file into the death of Devonna Walker from the Cedar Rapids Police Department the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2023. There is a lot of information to consider and evaluate and we will ma...

Introducing the 2023 Linn County Board of Supervisors and Elected Officials

Newly elected District 1 Linn County Supervisor Kirsten Running-Marquardt and incumbent District 2 Supervisor Ben Rogers were sworn in to office Dec. 29, 2022, filling the two open seats for the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Rogers and Running-Marquar...

Linn County Board of Supervisors Approves Agritourism Ordinance

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has unanimously approved an ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances regarding agricultural tourism and agricultural experiences in Linn County. The new ordinance streamlines the approval process for the majority of a...

New Office Hours for Planning & Development

The Monday through Friday office hours for Planning & Development changed on July 3, 2023. We are now open to answer phone calls and emails starting at 7:30 a.m. Our gates open for in-person customers at 8 a.m. We close at 4:30 p.m. We are no...

Linn County Departments Move Applications Online Improving Customer Experience

Linn County Planning & Development and Linn County Secondary Road Department recently moved multiple permit and zoning applications online to improve the customer experience and save staff time during the review process. The applications now available...

Changes Announced to Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations in Unincorporated Linn County

The Linn County Board of Supervisors recently adopted a code amendment for accessory dwelling units (ADU), which increases the maximum allowed size from 800 square feet to 1,200 square feet for ADUs in unincorporated Linn County. In addition to the size c...

Linn County Planning & Development Encourages Early Temporary Use Permit Applications

Temporary Use Permits are required for portable concrete mixing plants and for events in unincorporated Linn County when the type of event planned is not a permitted use within the zoning district where the event will take place. Applicants are encouraged...

Linn County Food Systems Council Awards $132,300 in Grants to Increase Food Security

The Linn County Food Systems Council has awarded $132,300 in grants to 12 local organizations through its Food Access, Resiliency, and Equity (FARE) Grant Program. The FARE Grant Program is a Linn County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded project admi...

Linn County Public Health Releases Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023

Linn County, Iowa – Linn County Board of Health Chair, Karl Cassell, along with fellow board members, the Linn County Board of Supervisors and Chair Louis Zumbach, and Linn County Public Health staff released the Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report on...

Linn County Public Health Encourages Residents to Get Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

As we head into the upcoming respiratory illness season, Linn County Public Health wants all residents to be safe and healthy. One of the steps to help us reach this goal is by getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is recommen...

Linn County Public Health Launches Linn Iowa EASY Air

Linn County Public Health is excited to announce the launch of Linn Iowa EASY Air, a new online permitting system for the Air Quality branch. 

"The launch of the Linn Iowa EASY Air system has been a work in progress, and Linn County Public He...

My Care Community Increases Access to Local Services

Linn County Public Health, in partnership with area agencies through the My Care Community initiative, is excited to announce a new website functionality to help people get connected to needed resources and programs.

People in need of assistance can now su...

Linn County Board of Health Calls for Increased Testing to Combat Rising Congenital Syphilis Rates

This week, the Linn County Board of Health approved a position statement that calls for increased testing to prevent congenital syphilis. 

"This statement reaffirms our commitment to decreasing the spread of sexually transmitted infections (S...

Linn County Public Health Partners with Local Pharmacies for Free STI Testing

Linn County Public Health (LCPH) is partnering with local pharmacies to provide testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at no charge.  

STIs can cause serious issues if left untreated. Infections can cause infertility, pelvic ...

Some Linn County Schools Go Idle Free

LINN COUNTY, IA - As school starts, parents and visitors to the Mt. Vernon Community School District (MVCSD) may notice something a little different this fall. Based on the assessment recommendations from Linn County Public Health (LCPH), Mt. Vernon’s ...Read on...

Renew Your ATV, ORV, ORM, and Snowmobile Registrations

It’s time to renew your ATV, ORV, ORM, and snowmobile registrations! Renewal notices were mailed to customers on Sept. 7. Customers may renew by mail, by calling the Recorder’s Office, by visiting our office in person, or by using our ...

SCAM ALERT – Home Warranty Letter

In May 2023, a Webster County resident opened their mail to find a concerning message about a home warranty expiration date from “County Deed Records.” The letter contained a “renewal fee voucher” resembling a check...

REAL ID Deadline Extended to May 7, 2025

REAL ID (gold star) requirements have been extended another two years, from May 2023 to May 7, 2025. The extension allows states enough time to ensure residents are REAL ID ready and will have appropriate identification when boarding domestic flights or e...

Apply to Join the Climate Resiliency Corps

Linn County is looking for high school students who want to help build resiliency in Linn County. 

The Climate Resiliency Corps seeks to engage high school students in experiential learning through volunteer engagement and a student-led climate re...

Bill of Sale Required for Transferring Vehicle Titles

Effective January 1, 2020, the Linn County Treasurer’s Office will require customers to provide a bill of sale when transferring titles to motor vehicles between private parties. A bill of sale or purchase agreement is already required for vehic...

New Odometer Statement Requirements for Title Transfers on Older Vehicles

As a protection for consumers, federal and state laws require an odometer disclosure statement when the title of a vehicle 10 model years old or newer is transferred. The odometer disclosure statement is typically completed on the backside of the title. T...