LINN COUNTY eNEWS

June 2015

Linn County’s FY16 budget now available online

Linn County’s FY16 budget, which runs July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016, is now available on Linn County’s website. The budget document contains detailed information, including the process Linn County uses to create the budget through a series of public meetings, expenditures by service area, revenue sources, capital projects, performance indicators by department and more. Linn County’s goal is to make this information as easily understandable and as accessible as possible.

The expenditure budget for fiscal 2016 is $105 million, a decrease of $10 million or 8.9% from the fiscal 2015 adopted budget. Property taxes levied account for 58% of total revenues.

Linn County Budget Director honored as one of 5 Financial Executives of the Year

Linn County Budget Director Dawn Jindrich was one of five Corridor executives honored this month by the Corridor Business Journal’s inaugural Financial Executives of the Year award.

Ms. Jindrich leads Linn County’s annual budget process using performance based budgeting that measures efforts and accomplishments with outputs and efficiencies of every county department. These measurements are critical to the creation of Linn County’s annual budget and communicating those budget decisions and prior performance with the public. Ms. Jindrich has been Linn County’s Budget Director since 1994. She was nominated for this award by the Linn County Board of Supervisors.

Indian Creek Watershed Management Plan moving forward

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has approved a resolution to adopt the Indian Creek Watershed Management Plan produced by the East Central Iowa Council of Governments (ECICOG) in cooperation with Indian Creek Watershed Management Authority.

The Indian Creek Watershed Management Plan will help to:

prioritize resources to protect water quality
mitigate flood impacts that have plagued area residents
address resource concerns identified by the ICWMA Board and local stakeholders

Education and public awareness are essential to effective water resources management. The plan outlines a public education component that will raise awareness about the environmental impacts of daily activities and build support for watershed planning and projects leading to the long-term protection of our water resources.

Persistent flooding and water quality concerns have led the governmental entities within the Indian Creek watershed to embrace this cooperative, multi-jurisdictional planning approach. The plan will be reviewed annually to determine if there is a need for plan amendments.

Supervisor Oleson holding listening posts in June

Linn County Supervisor Brent Oleson has been holding listening posts in June. The meetings are open to all Linn County residents; however, Oleson is the District 4 supervisor, so residents of District 4 are especially encouraged to attend. District 4 includes the cities of Bertram, Central City and Marion as well unincorporated areas between Bertram and Central City.

The listening posts are an informal, casual setting where members of the public are encouraged to stop by to discuss any topic of importance to them, specific county projects, or any ideas you want to share with your Linn County Supervisor on improving county government. The final two for June are June 26 and June 30.

Linn County Engineer receives community service award

Linn County Engineer Steve Gannon was honored by the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids with its Community Service Appreciation Award. As part of the award, he received $500 to donate to charity and chose Habitat for Humanity as the recipient. Gannon has worked for Linn County for more than 30 years.

25^th Anniversary celebration of the ADA planned for July 25

In commemoration of the 25^th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, a community celebration is planned for Saturday, July 25 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The event will include special guest Congressman Rod Blum, a picnic, Unity March, and proclamations read by local leaders followed by the Kernels baseball game at 6:35 p.m. Local service providers will have displays along the concourse from 5:30 - 7 p.m. A 50/50 raffle to benefit the event will also be held.

Linn County Public Health Director elected to National Association of County and City Health Officials board

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) has elected Linn County Health Director Pramod Dwivedi to its 2015-2016 Board of Directors. The Board of Directors establishes NACCHO’s strategic direction and initiatives, sets the annual legislative agenda, approves official statements of policy, ensures that annual goals are met, and provides financial oversight. The Board also represents members in matters of policy, public health practice and collaboration with health partners in the public and private sectors.

Things to do at a park near you

It’s summer and time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors! Whether you want to camp for a few days, picnic for an afternoon, or spend time on a trail or the water, the Linn County Conservation Department has a lot to offer. Visit linncountyparks.com to learn about the numerous recreational opportunities available throughout Linn County.

Linn County offices closed July 3

Most Linn County governmental offices will be closed Friday, July 3, for the Independence Day holiday. The Sheriff’s Office will be closed; however, continuous operations will be available for routine and emergency responses, including the Patrol Division, Communications Division and the Correctional Center. The Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services program will also continue to operate.

Find us online

Website: linncounty.org
Twitter: @LinnCounty

LINN COUNTY eNEWSJune 2015