December 2021

Linn County Exhausts Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Funds

All Linn County ERA 2 funds allocated to the County through the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) have been obligated and the application portal is now closed.

Linn County residents in need of rent and utility assistance may apply to the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program (IRUAP) beginning Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 at 12 p.m.

Learn more about the state assistance program and other local programs.

Linn County Ready for Winter Weather

Winter is here and the Linn County Secondary Road Department is prepared for the 2021-22 winter season. Residents can prepare by reviewing the Secondary Road Department hours of operation, snow routes, and snow and ice ordinance and policy on our website.

Linn County Releases FY21 Annual Report

Linn County has released its fiscal year 2021 Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). The report is part of Linn County’s ongoing commitment to keep residents informed about how taxpayer dollars are used to fund programs and services in an easy-to-read format.

In addition to providing easy to understand financial information, the report demonstrates the vital role of county government by highlighting some of Linn County’s notable accomplishments and challenges of the past year. This year’s report centers on resiliency, sustainability, and helping people, including:

Linn County’s continued response to the COVID-19 global pandemic
Mental health awareness and services
Climate action steps
Infrastructure improvements
Replanting efforts following the derecho
And more

View a copy of the report on our website.

Public Meetings to Review Coggon Solar LLC Application

Board of Supervisors Public Meetings Scheduled for Coggon Solar LLC Utility-Scale Solar Application

Dates have now been scheduled for the three Board of Supervisors meetings to review and consider the Coggon Solar LLC utility-scale solar application project. These are public meetings and residents can attend in person or virtually. These meetings are for Coggon Solar LLC’s application only.

The first of the three meetings, public hearing and first consideration, will be at 6 p.m. Monday, January 10, 2022 at the Linn County Fairgrounds.

See information on the Board process, application documents, and meeting structure, including virtual attendance options, on our website.

Linn County Welcomes New Facilities Director, Honors Long-Time Outgoing Director

On Dec. 31, 2021, Garth Fagerbakke will retire from his role as Facilities Manager, a position he has held for 22 years since first joining Linn County in 1999. Fagerbakke oversaw multiple large projects during his tenure including rebuilding eight flood-damaged buildings after the Flood of 2008 and most recently, the construction of the Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building.

Anthony (Tony) Rossetti will succeed Fagerbakke as the new Facilities Director. Rossetti’s first day with Linn County was Dec. 6, 2021. He previously served as Regional Facilities Manager for Goodwill of the Heartland where he was responsible for 26 buildings in the SE Iowa and Western Illinois region. Rossetti also served as Facilities Manager for the Cedar Rapids Double Tree. Rossetti is a University of Iowa graduate.

Reminder: Applications for New Linn County Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Committee due December 31

Applications for the newly established Linn County Sustainability & Resiliency Advisory Committee are due December 31. Selected applicants will be appointed by the Linn County Board of Supervisors in January. The purpose of the Advisory Committee is to complete an annual greenhouse gas inventory for Linn County, with support from the Linn County Office of Sustainability (LCOS), and the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI), to help review and monitor progress toward the goals and objectives of Linn County’s climate resolutions.

Learn more and apply.

Linn County Earns Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the United States and Canada has awarded Linn County the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the County’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Popular Annual Financial Reporting for its Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. This is the 32^nd consecutive year Linn County has received this recognition for its ACFR and the 23^rd consecutive year Linn County has received this recognition for its PAFR.

Learn more about the awards.

Linn County Public Health Awarded National Accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board

The Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) recently determined to continue accreditation of Linn County Public Health. Linn County Public Health was originally accredited in 2015, and had submitted materials earlier this year to continue accreditation for another five years. Accreditation through PHAB demonstrates Linn County Public Health's commitment to public health excellence in serving the community.

Learn more about this accreditation.

Holiday Reminder: Limited Use of Consumer Fireworks Allowed in Unincorporated Linn County

As the New Year’s Eve holiday approaches, please be aware of the rules for use of consumer grade fireworks in unincorporated Linn County.

The use of consumer grade fireworks in unincorporated Linn County is allowed on the following dates/times:

July 4 9 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dec. 31/Jan. 1 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m.

Fireworks may only be used with property owner permission.

Display fireworks are authorized by permit only.

More information and the County's fireworks resolution is available on our website.

Linn County Offices Closed for New Year’s Holidays

Linn County governmental offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 31 and Monday, Jan. 3 for the New Year’s holiday.

The following services will continue to operate:

Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services
Mental Health Access Center
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.

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