News & Updates
from Linn County Government

April 2017

Supervisor Brent Oleson speaking at the State of the County luncheon April 19

Linn County Officials Present State of the County Address

Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson gave the main address at the 12th annual State of the County luncheon at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center in Cedar Rapids on April 19 hosted by the League of Women Voters of Linn County. His theme was “The Power of One, The Power of Many.”

In his remarks, Supervisor Oleson noted how the collective work of individuals is the force behind exceptional things.

Among the projects Supervisor Oleson highlighted were the new Linn County Public Health and Child & Youth Development Services building, currently nearing design completion that will be LEED certified and include community amenities; land acquisitions for Morgan Creek and Squaw Creek parks that will preserve greenspace for future generations; trail improvements; and investing in human resource programs and tools that are transforming Linn County’s Customer-Centered Culture efforts.

Supervisor Oleson was joined by three other Linn County leaders who gave supporting presentations. Linn County Auditor Joel Miller spoke about the Elections Modernization & Integrity Act (Voter ID). Les Beck, Director of Planning & Development and Chair of Linn County’s Customer-Centered Culture Steering Committee, spoke about Linn County’s ongoing work on culture transformation to create a customer-centered culture throughout all County departments. Linn County Risk Manager Steve Estenson highlighted Linn County’s response to the 2016 flood and the County’s efforts to minimize disruption of County services.

The presentations are available on Linn County’s website.

Video of the event is also available.

April is National County Government Month

Linn County is among hundreds of communities participating in the National Association of Counties (NACo) celebration of National County Government Month. Throughout the month, NACo encourages county governments to share examples of how counties improve resident quality of life. Visit our website to learn how Linn County contributes to a healthy, vibrant and safe community.

Visit linncounty.org/NotifyMe to subscribe to Linn County’s email and text alerts for news releases, meeting notices, road construction and more.

2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report Now Available

Linn County’s 2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) is now available online. The CAFR is a thorough and detailed presentation of the County’s financial state, and reports on the activities and balances for the 2016 fiscal year.

Linn County has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada for the County’s CAFR for 27 consecutive years. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting.

Prescription Discount Program Could Save You Money

Do you have a prescription not covered by insurance? Linn County participates in the National Association of Counties Prescription Discount Card Program, which might help reduce the cost of those prescriptions at participating pharmacies. Cards are free and easy to use. There are no age, health or income restrictions. This program is provided at no cost to Linn County, its taxpayers or consumers.

The prescription discount card can even be used for pet prescriptions from participating pharmacies.

Corridor Medical Shuttle Returns

Horizons/NTS is bringing back shuttle service from Cedar Rapids to UI Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC). The Corridor Medical Shuttle will run on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Rides must be scheduled by calling the NTS scheduling number, 319-363-1321 a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Monday rides must be scheduled before noon the previous Friday.

Community Resource Sheets Now Available

Community resource sheets have been updated for 2017 and are now available on Linn County’s website. The resource sheets provide basic information on assistance available locally for residents in the areas of:

Affordable housing
Child care
Food assistance
Healthcare
Transportation
and more.

Many of the programs and services listed have eligibility guidelines or criteria. The information is intended to be a starting point to help individuals and families attain the assistance they need to stabilize their situations and ultimately become more self-sufficient.

New School Immunization Requirement

Linn County Public Health reminds Linn County parents a new immunization requirement will be in effect next school year for all students enrolling in 7^th and 12^th grades. The change requires a one-time dose of meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccine received on or after 10 years of age for students in grades 7 and above, if born after September 15, 2004; and two doses of meningococcal (A, C, W, Y) vaccines for students in grade 12, if born after September 15, 1999; or one dose if received when students are 16 years-of-age or older.

This requirement is in effect for the 2017-2018 school year, so parents should plan now for the upcoming school year. MORE…

Oak Hickory News Now Available

The spring/summer edition of the Oak Hickory News from Linn County Conservation is now available. This edition is packed with news, events and programming being offered by the Linn County Conservation Board. Included in this issue are popular spring and summer activities, new park amenities, an update on the Linn County Water and Land Legacy measure, and more. Download your copy today.

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News & Updates from Linn County GovernmentApril 2017