September 2018

September is National Preparedness Month

National Preparedness Month is recognized every September and provides an opportunity to prepare ourselves and our families for any disasters that may occur throughout the year.

Take time to learn lifesaving skills - such as CPR and first aid, check your insurance policies and coverage for the hazards you may face, such as flood, earthquakes and tornadoes. Make sure to consider the costs associated with disasters and save for an emergency. Also, know how to take practical safety steps like shutting off water and gas.

For more information on how to prepare visit ready.gov.

Linn County Public Health Launches Iowa’s First Wood-Burning Appliance Change-Out Program

Linn County Public Health (LCPH) opened enrollment for the Wood-Burning Change-Out Program – a voluntary program to improve air quality by providing vouchers to eligible homeowners to remove and replace old, non-certified wood appliances with cleaner burning appliances.

Eligible participants must be homeowners in the Alliant Energy gas and/or electric service area, use an uncertified wood-burning appliance as the primary or significant source of heat for the primary residence and live in or within ¼ mile of an incorporated town or city in Linn County. Incentives range from $1,000 to $8,000 with an additional $250 for participants who are active duty or veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or an active/retired first responder.

Funds for this program are limited and scheduled to end by February 15, 2021 – or once all incentive funds have been awarded – whichever comes first. This project is funded by a consent decree settlement between the U.S. EPA, the State of Iowa, Linn County, the Sierra Club and Interstate Power and Light.

To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, visit burncleanlinn.org or call LCPH at 319-892-6000.

Linn County Conservation Hosting Meskwaki Cultural Day

Make plans to attend the Meskwaki Cultural Day on Saturday, October 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wickiup Hill. Members of the Meskwaki tribe will be performing traditional Meskwaki dances wearing vibrant regalia. There will be authentic Native American games and music, along with other activities and displays that will give an insight into the Meskwaki culture.

Cost: $5/individual or $10/family. No registration is required. Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

This program made possible by a grant from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation.

Linn County Veteran Affairs Participated in 13th Annual Stand Down Event

The 13th Annual Five Seasons Vet Stand Down took place Friday September 7, 2018 at Veterans Memorial Stadium. This free event provided veterans and non-veterans, who are homeless or nearly homeless, connections to services that assist in transitioning to community living.

The resource fair consists of over 80 social service agencies providing financial, health, housing, educational, vocational, legal, mental health and veteran specific services.

The Five Seasons Vet Stand Down is a collaboration of efforts between Linn County Veteran Affairs, community programs, veteran organizations and many volunteers to help homeless and nearly homeless people of Linn County.

Pictured below: Linn County Board of Supervisors, VA Director Don Tyne, Secretary of Stand Down Joe Stutler, VA Commissioner Gary Schumacher.

Thielen Appointed to NACo Steering Committee

David Thielen, executive director of Linn County Community Services (LCCS), was recently appointed to the National Association of Counties Human Services and Education (HSE) Policy Steering Committee for the upcoming 2018/2019 year. The HSE Policy Steering Committee addresses all matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary, secondary and post-secondary education. Thielen is one of two Iowan’s on the committee.

Linn County Community Services (LCCS) addresses local health and human service needs by providing direct services, community planning and administration of local, state and federal funds in ways that promote service availability, access, cost effectiveness and quality.

Property Taxes Due October 1

The semiannual installment of property and mobile home tax statements were mailed in August. The deadline to pay the first half of property and mobile home taxes this year is Oct. 1, due to Sept. 30, the normal deadline, falling on a weekend.

Payments can be made:

online
by mail
in person at the Treasurer’s Office

This is the busiest time of year for the Treasurer’s Office, so we recommend customers pay their property taxes online if possible, mail their payments before Oct. 1 or use the lobby drop box to avoid waiting in line. Customers can check the current average wait time in the Treasurer’s Office by visiting the Treasurer’s Office website.

See the reverse side of your property tax statement for a detailed breakdown by percentage and actual dollar amount of how your individual property taxes are distributed among the various taxing jurisdictions.

Watch for Farm Vehicles on Roadways

It's harvest time, which means there are more slow moving farm vehicles on the road. Please remember to watch carefully, be patient and share the road with the farmers.

Photo credit: Iowa DOT

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