December 2020

Linn County Public Health Releases Holiday Guidance

As we continue to celebrate the winter holidays, Linn County Public Health urges residents to review and follow this Holiday Guidance to help continue slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. This guidance, based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), includes:

Considerations for small gatherings
Considerations for hosting or attending a gathering
Travel considerations
Holiday activities by risk level

Learn more at LinnCounty.org/COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Happening in Linn County

COVID-19 vaccines are arriving in Linn County and phase 1a distribution is underway at Mercy Cedar Rapids and UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital. The COVID-19 vaccine supply is expected to increase substantially in 2021 with other approved vaccines and eventually be available for everyone who wants to receive it. Once vaccine is adequately available, residents will be able to receive the vaccine at local pharmacies and some local clinics. Additional allocations of vaccine will be directed to Linn County from the Iowa Department of Public Health based on priority populations.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and distribution.

Linn County Ready for Winter Weather

The Linn County Secondary Road Department is prepared for the 2020-21 winter season. Part of preparation is sharing information with residents about the Secondary Road Department’s hours of operation, snow routes, and snow and ice ordinance and policy.

Sign up for snow removal notifications and find more information on the Linn County website.

Maintain Your Mental Health

The daily stress caused by COVID-19, social distancing, seasonal depression, the August 10 derecho, and a resulting financial crisis have had a big impact on our community. It is normal to experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and uncertainty in this abnormal situation. Additionally, the events of the last year have only intensified feelings among those living with poor mental health or a mental illness. Prioritizing your mental health and staying connected to your family, friends, and community is more important than ever.

Learn more about how to find help for yourself or those in need on the Linn County website.

Linn County Seeks Voluntary Board & Commission Members

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is accepting applications to fill a number of voluntary appointments on boards and commissions within the Planning & Development Department starting January 1, 2021.

See the openings and apply.

Linn County Awards Economic and Community Development Funds

The Linn County Board of Supervisors recently awarded $130,000 in economic and community development funding to eight Linn County organizations.

See the full list of recipients.

The Linn County Economic and Community Development Fund was established to foster and support economic growth and enhance quality of life in Linn County. This is an annual competitive application process.

Kehres Named Linn County Veterans Affairs Director

The Linn County Board of Supervisors and Linn County Veterans Affairs Commission have named Nicole Kehres (pronounced Karris) as Linn County’s new Veterans Affairs Director, effective, December 14, 2020.

Learn more about Kehres and her role as Veterans Affairs Director.

Linn County Earns Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has awarded Linn County the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the County’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) (PDF) and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) (PDF) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.

This is the 31st consecutive year Linn County has received this recognition for its CAFR and the 22nd consecutive year Linn County has received this recognition for its PAFR.

Learn more.

Linn County Offices Closed for Christmas and New Year's Holidays

Linn County governmental offices will be closed Thursday, Dec. 24; Friday, Dec. 25; Thursday, Dec. 31; and Friday, Jan. 1 for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

The following services will continue to operate:

Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services
Linn County LIFTS will be running reduced routes on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.
The Sheriff’s Office will be closed; however, 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.

Board of Supervisors Commits to Equitable Climate Action

The Linn County Board of Supervisors signed a new climate resolution (PDF) prioritizing the voices of vulnerable communities in climate action within Linn County. The resolution commits to accelerated action to address the climate crisis in collaboration with other governments and community organizations through empowering vulnerable communities.

Learn more.

Most Linn County Buildings Closed to the Public

Most Linn County Facilities Remain Closed to the Public

Linn County remains closed to the public to help reduce community spread of the virus and to help ensure continuity of County services. The closure will remain in effect until public health conditions improve and allow for modifications.

County staff 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.

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