News Flash

Due to the alarming surge in positive COVID-19 cases and record-breaking hospitalizations across the country and locally, Linn County is closing buildings to the public once again to help reduce community spread of the virus and to help ensure continuity of County services. The closure will take effect Thursday, November 19 and remain in effect until public health conditions improve and allow for modifications. 

County staff will continue to work on-site and remotely to provide County services to the public. Residents and businesses may conduct County business online, by phone, by email, by mail, and by drop boxes located outside County buildings. For all County services, please contact individual departments directly. Contact information for all County departments is available at LinnCounty.org.

The following Linn County buildings will be closed to the public:

• Jean Oxley Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2^nd St. SW, Cedar Rapids
• Community Services Building (including DHS offices), 1240 26^th Ave. Ct. SW, Cedar Rapids
• Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building, 1020 6^th St. SW, Cedar Rapids (with the exception of the Child Development Center and Public Health clinic)
• Juvenile Detention Center (still providing services; visits will be virtual)
• Secondary Road Department, 1888 County Home Rd., Marion
• Wickiup Hill Learning Center, 10260 Morris Hills Rd., Toddville (scheduled outdoor programs will continue)
• Conservation lodges in Linn County parks
• LIFTS – office is closed to the public; routes are still running. Fares continue to be waived and the number of riders will be limited during each route.
• Linn County Correctional Center – jail (no visits; the Correctional Center has been closed to the public since March 2020)
• Linn County Sheriff’s Office, 310 2^nd Ave. SW, Cedar Rapids (emergency and patrol services will continue uninterrupted through the Linn County Sheriff’s Office)

Exceptions:

The following buildings will remain open, some with modifications: 

• Linn County Child Development Center (regular operating hours)
• Public Health Clinic, 1020 6^th St. SW, Cedar Rapids – will continue to provide vaccine clinics and refugee/immigration clinics by appointment only
• Linn County Courthouse normal operating hours; however, restrictions are in place that limit entry to the courthouse (PDF) 
• Juvenile Justice Center (Juvenile Courthouse) – normal operating hours
• Fillmore Building (overflow homeless shelter) – regular operations

The most frequently accessed County services include:

• Vehicle Registration
• Title Transfers
• Vital Records
• Property Tax
• Licenses and Permits
• Election Information

Linn County is committed to doing everything it can to protect the health and safety of the public and employees while ensuring minimal disruption to public services during this global pandemic. 

Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19

Linn County officials urge all residents to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a face covering, maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet between themselves and others, staying home when ill, and washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Doing so will help to reduce the spread of the virus, protect our community, and help prevent overwhelming our healthcare system.

Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule

In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, most Linn County governmental offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 26 and 27. 

• Linn County LIFTS: No service on Thanksgiving Day Nov. 26. Operating reduced routes in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, and Marion on Friday, Nov. 27 (no rural service).
• Sheriff’s Office: Continuous operations will be available for routine and emergency responses. This includes the Patrol Division, Communications Division and the Correctional Center. In an emergency, always dial 911.
• Vehicle registrations can be renewed online at any time at www.iowataxandtags.org. 

Learn more at LinnCounty.org.