February 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Phase 1B Update

Linn County began offering vaccine to Tier 1, Group 2 populations. This includes early childhood education staff, school transportation staff, childcare centers with 10 or more staff, pre-K 5^th grade building teachers and staff, and Grant Wood Area Education Agency staff working with pre-K 5^th grade students. These individuals will be notified of how to make an appointment through their employer. Due to limited supply of vaccine, it will take several weeks to vaccinate this group. In addition, Iowa activated the Retail Pharmacy Program. In Linn County, select Hy-Vee locations and Clark’s Pharmacy are participating pharmacies. Limited vaccines are available in select locations to persons 65 years of age and older by appointment only. Because vaccine remains in short supply, not everyone who is eligible will be able to get vaccine right away.

At this time, vaccinated persons should continue to follow current guidance to protect themselves and others from the virus, including wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing hands often.

Linn County Public Health also updated its guidelines for actions to combat increase in COVID-19, moving from Tier 2 to Tier 3.

Mask Mandate Still in Effect Linn County

Linn County residents, businesses, and visitors are reminded that the mask mandates previously put in place by the City of Cedar Rapids, the Linn County Board of Health, and the Linn County Board of Supervisors are still in effect in Linn County. The regulations make face masks mandatory in public places throughout Linn County, whenever six (6) feet of physical distance cannot be maintained. Linn County’s mask mandate applies to unincorporated areas and areas where municipalities have not taken action.

Learn more.

Linn County Planning & Development Updates

The Linn County Planning and Development Department announces the following updates that are now in effect:

An amendment to the Unified Development Code that includes changes in sizing regulations for detached accessory structures.
Expanded building permit and inspection services to the cities of Ely and Springville.

In addition to these changes, Planning & Development congratulates Les Beck on his retirement from director after 20 years of service to Linn County. Planning & Zoning Division Manager Charlie Nichols succeeds Beck as director.

Alburnett Community School District and Marion Independent School District Special Elections

Early, absentee voting has begun in Linn County for the Alburnett Community School District and the Marion Independent School District Special Elections. Voters may vote early in person, curbside, or by mail. Election Day is Tuesday, March 2. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Learn more.

Linn County Releases FY20 Annual Report

Linn County has released its fiscal year 2020 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) PDF. The report provides residents with an overview of how their tax dollars are managed and spent in an easy-to-read format. The annual report is part of Linn County’s ongoing commitment to keep residents informed about the County’s finances and to be accountable for the receipt and expenditure of public funds.

Linn County Historic Preservation Commission Preservation Grant Window Now Open

The Linn County Historic Preservation Commission is now accepting grant applications from non-profit organizations for its annual Historic Preservation Grant Program. Application information is available on Linn County’s website. There is $28,800 in grant funding available this year.

Please note the format of the application has changed to an online submittal this year. Applications are due by April 1, 2021 at 5 p.m.

Public Input Sought on Climate Change and Climate Action

Linn County is seeking input from the public on climate change and climate action through a climate action survey. The survey questions are designed to understand how Linn County residents perceive climate change and climate action, how climate disaster events like the August 2020 derecho impact Linn County residents, what climate action residents would like to see in Linn County, and to know which communities within Linn County are participating in the survey.

Learn more and take the survey. The survey will close April 2, 2021.

Linn County Board of Supervisors Awards $80,000 in Witwer Trust Grants

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has awarded $80,000 in grants from the Linn County Board of Supervisors Witwer Trust Fund to 21 non-profit organizations whose work benefits Linn County residents. The recipients were selected through an annual competitive grant process that began in November. The Board of Supervisors received more than $198,000 in grant requests with $80,000 in available funds.

See the full list of recipients.

Linn County LIFTS Announces Transportation Assistance for COVID-19 Vaccinations

Linn County LIFTS is providing free next-day rides for County residents in need of transportation assistance to scheduled and confirmed COVID-19 vaccination appointments.

The Linn County Board of Supervisors wants to ensure no barriers, including lack of transportation, prevent someone from getting vaccinated. Anyone traveling to or from a Linn County vaccine provider is eligible for transportation for the purpose of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine or assisting someone who is receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Rides are only available to scheduled and confirmed vaccination appointments.

Learn more.

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