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 officials, and department heads. Residents may provide input and public comment on the budget during these upcoming public meetings.
The public is invited to attend Linn County’s annual Public Budget Forum on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. at the Linn County Public Service Center, 935 2nd St. SW in Cedar Rapids. Linn County residents and stakeholders are invited to share their input on Linn County’s FY25 budget during the budget forum.
Each year, Linn County develops its budget according to the County’s financial policies and in alignment with Linn County’s strategic plan. The Board of Supervisors works to maintain a consistent levy rate to minimize any impact on taxpayers while addressing budget priorities and maintaining essential public services.
Linn County is starting this year’s budget planning in the same way as recent years with no increases in operations other than contractual increases.
New state legislation could affect the County’s budget this coming year. The new legislation created three tiers for valuation growth and corresponding reduction factors:
- 0-2.99% growth: Growth is not reduced
- 3-5.99% growth: Growth is reduced by 2%
- 6+% growth: Growth is reduced by 3%
Property valuation growth will not be available until late December. This means Linn County and other local governments in Iowa will not know how much growth they will experience or what reduction factor will apply to their budgets until valuations are complete. Linn County needs to know its valuation growth to plan its FY25 budget and services.
Finance & Budget staff will present Linn County’s proposed FY25 budget to the Board of Supervisors following the budget meetings in November, December, and January. The Board of Supervisors will then consider the proposed budget and the public will have additional opportunities to offer input during two public hearings in March and April before the final budget is certified in April.
View the budget calendar (PDF) for the entire FY25 budget planning process. The dates are subject to change so please check the Agendas & Minutes section on Linn County’s website 24 hours in advance for the most up-to-date information or subscribe to receive email notification of Board of Supervisors meetings and agendas.
Fiscal year 2025 begins July 1, 2024, and ends June 30, 2025.
Linn County has successfully maintained its Aaa bond rating and has received the following awards from the Government Finance Officers Association for consistently meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting and reporting and being responsible stewards of public funds:
- Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting – 34 consecutive years
- Distinguished Budget Presentation Award - 28 consecutive years
- Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting - 25 consecutive years.