Feb. 27 - March 3, 2023

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

Property Tax Basics Explained

It’s property tax season, and we know some residents have questions about how property taxes are determined and used to fund services. Property tax supports many different taxing authorities including cities, counties, school districts, townships, community college districts, and more. Total property tax bills are a result of an 18-month evaluation and calculation process across these multiple entities. Learn more as we break down the property tax basics for you in the most recent edition of the Linn County Connection blog.

Linn County Conservation Now Accepting Applications for South San Juan Wilderness Trek

This backpacking and outdoor leadership program for high school students takes place July 17-27, 2023, in Southwest Colorado in a 127,000 acre federally designated wilderness area along the Continental Divide. The trek includes informal lessons and mentoring where students will learn about the natural and human history of the land, while acquiring valuable lifelong outdoor and leadership skills. Find more information and the application on the wilderness trek webpage.

Linn County Attorney Files Criminal Charges in the Homicide of Devonna Walker

On Feb. 27, 2023, the Linn County Attorney’s Office authorized criminal charges in the stabbing death of Devonna Walker on Jan. 2, 2023, at 2135 North Towne Court NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It should be noted that the defendant is innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. More information is available on Linn County’s website.

Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap

The following is a recap from the Linn County Board of Supervisors meetings the week of Feb. 27 - March 3, 2023. The Board of Supervisors: 

• Met with and received updates from the following departments: Community Services, Conservation, Information Technology, Soil Conservation, Sustainability, and Veteran Affairs
• Postponed the public hearing scheduled for March 1, 2023, regarding the fiscal year 2024 SF 634 resolution on total maximum property tax dollars due to Governor Kim Reynolds signing SF 181 into law. A new public hearing date will be announced when set.
• Held a public hearing on the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated total cost for the Linn County Secondary Roads District 1 Shop Building Phase 2 Project
• Approved a resolution granting final approval and confirming the plans, specifications, form of contract, and estimated total cost for the Linn County Secondary Roads District 1 Shop Building Phase 2 Project
• Opened and announced bids for the Linn County Secondary Roads District 1 Shop Building Phase 2 Project and referred bids to Linn County staff and the project architect for review and tabulation
• Reviewed employee injury statistics and injury reporting procedures
• Held third and final consideration of ordinance amendment, rezoning case JR22-0007, request of Nathan & Carrie Kellogg, owners, to rezone 12.73 acres located in the 3600 Blk of N Center Point Rd from the RR1 (Rural Residential 1-Acre) zoning district to the AG (Agricultural) zoning district
• Held first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances, Linn County, Iowa by Amending Sections in Article III Relating to the Linn County General Assistance Program
• Held first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the Code of Ordinance, Linn County Iowa by Amending Provisions in Article II relating to the time of Imposition of a Local Sales and Services Tax
• Directed Linn County’s Finance Director to begin the process of issuing approximately $10 million in Conservation, Land, Water and Legacy Bonds
• Approved a 5-year contract between Linn County and IBEW Assistant County Attorneys effective July 1, 2023 
• Authorized Linn County’s Human Resources Director to sign a service agreement with AIG/Corebridge to provide deferred compensation services to Linn County 
• Authorized Chair to sign an update authorized signer letter for Linn County Deferred Compensation Program administration
• Approved the following resolutions:
  1. A final plat for Kellogg Acres, case JF22-0025
  2. A land preservation parcel split for Rose Farmstead Second Addition, case JLPS23-0001
  3. A final plat for Rose Farmstead First Addition, case JF23-0002
  4. A contract for a bridge replacement on N Center Point Road over East Otter Creek, to Jim Schroeder Construction, Inc., in the amount of $1,396,440.33
  5. A transfer of ownership of Local Bridge #1053 and FHWA #220850 from the Linn County Secondary Road Department to the Indian Creek Nature Center for $1.00
• Approved an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) subaward agreement between Linn County and City of Hiawatha for the Hiawatha Northwood Dr Storm Sewer Improvements Project in the amount of $310,000
• Approved change order number 3 to the contract with Unzeitig Construction for the Linn County Correctional Center Video Visitation Project by adding $8,953 to supply and install new cabinets
• Approved change order number 4 to the contract with Unzeitig Construction for the Linn County Correctional Center Video Visitation Project by adding $8,392 to adjust electrical items
• Approved change order number 5 to the contract with Unzeitig Construction for the Linn County Correctional Center Video Visitation Project by adding $1,549 to enlarge a window in a door
• Approved a purchase order in the amount of $7,350 to Esco Electric Co. for the wiring installation of the new chiller at the Correctional Center  
• Approved a purchase order in the amount of $9,284.74 to CDW Govt for cloud log monitoring for the IT Department
• Approved liquor license for Gardner Golf Course, 5101 Golf Course Rd., noting all conditions have been met
• Approved liquor license for Airport National Golf Course, 3001 Wright Brothers Blvd. E, Ely, retroactive to February 27, 2023, noting all conditions have been met
• Reviewed proposed fiscal year 2024 budget

NOTE: The Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap briefly summarizes 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 Agenda and Minutes webpage.

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UPCOMING EVENTS & DATES

• Property Tax Payments Due March 31
• Public Meetings Calendar
• Conservation Department Events

Subscribe now and get notified of future events posted in our Calendar section!

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