January 2022

Supervisors Approve Coggon Solar LLC Rezoning Application in 2-1 Vote

Following four public meetings, the Linn County Board of Supervisors voted 2-1 to approve the rezoning application for Coggon Solar LLC. The approval comes with two conditions the Supervisors added during the public meeting process. The two conditions include a vegetative screening buffer for occupied residences within 1,000 feet of the project boundary and a change to the decommissioning plan removing salvage value from cost calculations.

Next steps for the project, involve Coggon Solar LLC applying for building permits through Linn County Planning & Development before the start of construction. Once the permits are approved, construction on the utility-scale solar project can begin. The timeline for these next steps is determined by Coggon Solar LLC.

Linn County Releases Updated Strategic Plan Created with Community Focus Group

The Linn County Board of Supervisors recently approved Linn County’s updated strategic plan for fiscal years 2022-2027. The new strategic plan builds on Linn County’s commitment to a Customer-Centered Culture. The updated plan focuses on five outcomes that represent the issues of greatest importance as identified by Linn County residents who participated in the strategic planning focus group.

The five outcomes for Linn County’s updated strategic plan, as guided by Linn County residents, are:

A satisfying Linn County results in: Customers' confidence that their concerns and aspirations are heard, understood, and addressed with the opportunity to influence policies and procedures regarding County products.
A satisfying Linn County results in: An equitable place to live and thrive, enabling users and seekers of County products to achieve their personal life goals.
A satisfying Linn County results in: All roads (physical, electronic, and interactive pathways) enable customers and visitors to reach their intended destinations easily and safely.
A satisfying Linn County results in: Improved health and safety of residents, citizens, and visitors to Linn County.
A satisfying Linn County results in: Customers' confidence that their concerns and aspirations are heard, understood and addressed with the opportunity to influence financial policies and procedures regarding County products.

Learn more about the process and view the full strategic plan.

Nick Maybanks Sworn in as County Attorney

Nick Maybanks was sworn in as Linn County Attorney on Jan. 4, 2022 following the retirement of Jerry Vander Sanden and the appointment by the Linn County Board of Supervisors. Maybanks will fulfill the remainder of Vander Sanden’s term, which expires at the end of 2022. Maybanks has served as an attorney in the office since 2000 and was appointed First Assistant Linn County Attorney by Vander Sanden in 2009. Maybanks appointed Monica Slaughter as First Assistant Linn County Attorney and Jordan Schier as head of the criminal division.

Supervisors Oppose Eminent Domain for CO2 Pipelines

The Linn County Board of Supervisors signed a letter opposing the use of eminent domain by both the Summit Carbon Solutions, LLC and Navigator Heartland Greenway CO2 pipeline projects. The Iowa Utilities Board is the authority having jurisdiction over the proposed pipelines. Linn County does not have authority or review capacity over the proposed project. Under certain circumstances, a floodplain permit or Conditional Use Floodplain permit may be required through Linn County Planning & Development.

Linn County Seeks Voluntary Board and Commission Members

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is accepting applications to fill a number of voluntary appointments on County boards and commissions.

The following boards and commissions have vacancies:

Water & Land Legacy Bond Public Review Board
ADA Advisory Committee
Food Systems Council
Board of Adjustment
Building Board of Appeals
Plumbing Board of Appeals
Mechanical Board of Appeals

Applicants must be residents of Linn County and may submit an online application available on the Linn County website at LinnCountyIowa.gov. Linn County is committed to gender balance on all boards, commissions, and advisory committees. Women, minorities, and qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about the board and commission openings and apply today.

Linn County Conservation Offering Wilderness Experience for High School Students

The South San Juan Wilderness Trek is a backpacking and outdoor leadership program July 19-29 near Pagosa Springs in southwest Colorado, a 127,000 acre federally designated wilderness area along the Continental Divide. The program immerses high school students in a unique and exciting outdoor experience unlike any other available in Linn County. Through a fun, supportive atmosphere with structured risk-taking, students will expand in independence, responsibility, and will undoubtedly learn to trust themselves and others. With informal lessons and mentoring, students will learn about the natural and human history of the land, while acquiring valuable lifelong outdoor skills.

Students must complete the application process by April 22. Application materials and additional information about the 2022 San Juan Wilderness Trek can be found on the South San Juan Wilderness Trek webpage.

Linn County Public Health Awarded $40,000 from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation

Linn County Public Health received a $40,000 Community Change Grant from Delta Dental of Iowa Foundation to support the work of My Care Community. My Care Community is a network of more than 35 health care and social service providers who work together to connect people to resources they need to be healthy, safe, and well. Learn more about My Care Community.

ICYMI: 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.

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