To protect the health and safety of Linn County employees and the general public, Linn County is extending the closure of most County facilities to the general public until April 7, 2020. This extension aligns with Governor Reynold’s proclamation issued last Friday extending statewide closures and prohibiting mass gatherings of 10 or more people. The closure date may be modified as needed. Despite the closure, we are still hard at work behind the scenes and County services remain operational and available to the public either online or via phone or email. Departments are making efforts to ensure minimal disruption to public services during this time. Contact information for all County departments is available at Linncounty.org.
Closures include these County buildings:
- Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center
- Community Services Building – including Options of Linn County
- Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building – with the exception of the Child Development Center as the Iowa Department of Human services is not recommending closure of childcare facilities at this time
- Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services
- Secondary Road Department
- Wickiup Hill Learning Center
- Linn County Sheriff’s Office; the Civil Division will continue to serve legal processes and the Patrol Division will continue to respond to emergency and routine calls for service.
- LIFTS – office is closed to the public; however, routes are still running for essential needs. Fares are waived and the number of riders will be limited during each route.
Exceptions:
- The Linn County Child Development Center will remain open as the Iowa Department of Human services is not recommending closure of childcare facilities at this time.
- Linn County Courthouse – normal operating hours
- Juvenile Justice Center (Juvenile Courthouse) – normal operating hours
Property Taxes and Vehicle Registration
All vehicle registrations and property tax payments can be done online at IowaTaxandTags.org. There is also a drop box outside of the Public Service Center at 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids where payments can be deposited. Be sure to include your contact information with the business you are dropping off so we may contact you with questions. Governor Reynolds has temporarily suspended late fees on property taxes until April 16. Per the Iowa Department of Transportation, if your vehicle registration expired Jan. 16, 2020 or later you do not need to renew at this time.
Election Services
Voters may continue to register to vote or update their registrations online at LinnCounty.org or by printing, filling out, and mailing in a voter registration form. Those without internet access may call Election staff at 319-892-5300, option 1 to request a paper form.
Voters are encouraged to request vote-by-mail absentee ballots for the Primary Election. Election Services will soon be mailing request forms to each active voter household in the county. Voter request forms are also available at LinnCounty.org.
Voters may view lists of candidates who have filed and find other election related information at LinnCountyElections.org or by calling 319-892-5300 option 1.
Linn County continues to work with our partners to help ensure the health and safety of our community during this time. Linn County Public Health (LCPH) is working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as local public and private partners in response to COVID-19.
Linn County Public Health and the Linn County Board of Supervisors ask residents to follow recommendations offered by health care providers and public health officials to stay home as much as possible and to practice social distancing.
Please visit Linn County’s website LinnCounty.org/COVID-19 for local updates and related information.
A public hotline has been established for Iowans with questions about COVID-19. The line is available 24/7 by calling 2-1-1 or 1-800-469-2211.