May 28-June 4, 2021

The Week in Review is a weekly digital newsletter from Linn County, Iowa.

County Holds Second Informational Meeting on Permitting Process for Utility-Scale Solar Projects

Linn County held the second of two public meetings on June 2, 2021 for residents to learn about the permitting process for utility-scale solar projects in Linn County. These meetings were specific to Linn County’s role in the permitting process and were not specific to any proposed solar project in Linn County. The staff presentation at both meetings was the same. A recording of the May 25, 2021 meeting is available on Linn County’s YouTube channel.

Linn County has not yet received an application for a utility-scale solar project; and, therefore, no utility-scale projects have been through the permitting and review process. Once an applicant submits a utility-scale solar application to Linn County Planning & Development, the permitting review process begins. This process includes additional public meetings and public input opportunities specific to the application(s). Linn County will post applications received on its website at LinnCounty.org/Planning.

Water and Land Legacy Trail Bonds Earn Aaa Rating

Linn County's general obligation bonds, issued for the Water and Land Legacy project, recently earned a Aaa rating from Moody’s Investor Services, reflecting the County's continued financial stability. The Aaa bond rating is the highest credit rating possible from Moody’s and translates into substantial savings for taxpayers through lower interest rates.

In November 2016, Linn County residents passed the $40 million Linn County Water and Land Legacy Bond project by nearly 74 percent. The multi-year bond project will help protect water quality and natural areas and fund improvements to Linn County parks and trails. Learn more.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of May 28-June 4, 2021. The Board of Supervisors:

Held a public meeting at the Linn County Fairgrounds where staff gave a presentation on the Linn County permitting process for utility-scale solar projects
Received an update on Linn County Mental Health Access Center from the Access Center Director
Approved resolution and awarded General Obligation Land and Water Legacy Bonds, Series 2021A
Authorized the use of Linn County secondary roads around Palo and Pleasant Creek on Sunday, June 6, 2021 for the Pigman Triathlon, noting all insurance and hold harmless requirements have been met
Approved a Fiscal Year 2022 Transit Purchase of Service Contract between East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) and Linn County to provide public transit service for approximately $175,000
Approved resuming fare collection on LIFTS public transit effective July 1, 2021
Approved a contract between Linn County and East Central Mental Health Region for formal designation of the Mental Health Access Center
Held a public hearing and first and second consideration for rezoning case JR21-0002, request to rezone property located in the 3400 block of N Center Point Rd
Held a public hearing and first and second consideration for rezoning case JR21-0003, request to rezone property located at 3381 Schmickle Rd
Held a public hearing and first and second consideration for rezoning case JR21-0004, request to rezone property located at 1636 Fox Hollow Rd
Held a public hearing and first and second consideration for rezoning case JR21-0006, request to rezone property located in the 500 block of Dows Rd
Held a public hearing and first and second consideration for rezoning case JR21-0005, request to rezone property located at 1622 W Mount Vernon Rd
Approved a resolution for Norris Acres First Addition, preliminary plat case JP21-0002, request for a 4-lot preliminary plat of 22.4 total acres, located in the 3600 Block of N Center Point Rd
Approved a resolution for Rural Land Use Map Amendment case JA21-0003, request to change map designation for property located at 1622 W Mount Vernon Rd, NE NE 27-83-06, from RRD2 (Rural Residential 2 Acre Area to AA (Agricultural Area), approximately 29.54 acres, Tanager Place, property owner.
Provided Board member reports of their activities, meetings, and project updates

NOTE: Board of Supervisors Meeting Recaps briefly summarize and highlight topics from the Board’s meeting agendas. This recap is provided by County staff as a public service and is not an official record of Board action. The official record of approved minutes from Board of Supervisors meetings are approved at future meetings and are available for viewing after approval.

Board agendas, minutes, and meeting videos are available on the Agendas and Minutes webpage.

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Communications Department
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319-892-5000