May 2019

Supervisor Walker Delivers State of the County Address

Linn County Supervisor Chair Stacey Walker presented Linn County’s accomplishments and future priorities during Linn County’s State of the County address on Wednesday, May 8, 2019, at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center.

During his presentation, Supervisor Walker laid out a vision of government that addresses the hard problems in our communities, and helps as many people as possible along the way.

Walker highlighted Linn County’s accomplishments that include excellent fiscal health; the Dr. Percy and Lileah Harris Building that is scheduled to open later this year; the Dows Farm Agri-Community that will spur economic activity while preserving valued open green space; the new Mental Health Access Center that, once open, will help people experiencing a mental health crisis and divert them from jails or emergency rooms; social justice programs led in part by Linn County, including implicit bias training, the Safe Equitable and Thriving Communities Task Force, and Linn County’s first Expungement and Employment Barriers Resource Clinic.

Looking forward, Walker shared a vision for the future that includes a Fair Chance Hiring campaign for area employers, efforts to address food insecurity, and working with other governments and community partners to develop a program that would make achieving a college education a reality for those students who may not otherwise be able to afford it.

Linn County premiered three videos during the State of the County presentation that demonstrate how Linn County is helping people, solving problems, and leading change every day.

Watch our We Are Linn County video.

Watch our video about a new Mental Health Access Center planned for Linn County.

Watch our video about the important work of our LIFTS para-transit program .

Read Supervisor Walker’s speech as prepared for delivery (PDF).

Watch the State of the County address.

The State of the County Luncheon is hosted by the League of Women Voters of Linn County. The event was open to the public.

Stacey Walker giving the 2019 State of the County Address

Linn County Accepting Applications for Economic and Community Development Funds

The Linn County Board of Supervisors is now accepting applications from organizations seeking economic and community development funding from Linn County. The Economic and Community Development Fund is used to enhance the quality of life throughout Linn County by fostering and supporting economic growth and development.

This is a competitive grant process open to organizations located in Linn County or that have a branch location in Linn County. This year $200,000 is available.

The application deadline is Friday, June 28, 2019 at 4 p.m.

More information and a link to the application is available on our website.

Linn County Offices Closed for Memorial Day

Linn County governmental offices will be closed on Monday, May 27 in observance of Memorial Day.
The following services will continue to operate:

Juvenile Detention and Diversion Services
The Sheriff’s Office will be closed; however, continuous operations will be available for routine and emergency responses. This includes the Patrol Division, Communications Division and the Correctional Center. In an emergency, always dial 911.

Vehicle registrations can be renewed online at any time at www.iowataxandtags.gov.

Linn County Sheriff's Office receives Credible Leadership Organization certification

On May 21, the Criminal Justice Commission for Credible Leadership Development (CJC-CLD®) conferred Credible Law Enforcement Organization certification upon the Linn County Sheriff’s Office, making it one of only two law enforcement agencies in the nation to receive this recognition.

This agency certification was the culmination of a five-year process in which Sheriff’s Office employees participated in an ethical leadership development training program through the Institute for Credible Leadership Development (ICLD). Many employees went on to receive Certified Credible Leader (CCL) certification through the International Academy of Public Safety, which qualified the agency for Credible Leadership Organization (CLO) certification.

Learn more about the Credible Leadership Organization program and what it means for the Linn County Sheriff's Office on our website.

Linn County Sheriff's Office Receives Certification

Jindrich Named Linn County Finance Director

The Linn County Board of Supervisors has named Dawn Jindrich to be the next Linn County Finance Director. The 8-member interview committee unanimously recommended Jindrich for the role. Jindrich is currently the Linn County Budget Director, a position she has held since 1994. Jindrich is succeeding Finance Director Steve Tucker who is retiring at the end of May after 36 years with Linn County.

As Finance Director, Jindrich will be responsible for directing all activities relating to financial management of the County including financial reporting and preparation of the County’s annual budget. She will also set the strategic direction for the Finance and Budget Department and operationalize those goals in alignment with the County’s Strategic Plan and Customer-Centered Culture.

Iowa DNR Hosts Open House on Updated Floodplain Maps

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host an open house where residents of Linn County can view proposed updated floodplain maps.

The open house will be held Thursday, May 30, from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the City Services Center (500 15th Avenue SW in Cedar Rapids). All Linn County residents are welcome to attend.

The open house will provide an opportunity for property owners to view proposed floodplain maps developed with improved modelling technology through FEMA and the Iowa DNR, learn how their flood risk may have changed and gain a better understanding of flood insurance options available. Residents throughout Linn County are encouraged to attend and learn more about whether new insurance rates or regulatory changes may apply to their property.

More information is available on our website.

Iowa Mowing Laws Designed to Protect Roadside Habitats

The Linn County Secondary Road Department and the Linn County Conservation Department remind county residents to protect roadside habitat for nesting game birds, song birds and pollinators this spring and early summer.

According to Iowa Code 314.17, mowing roadside ditches is restricted until July 15 to protect young pheasants and other ground-nesting birds until they are ready to fledge. The law, which applies to county secondary roads as well as state primary and interstate highways, also protects habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects, including crop-pest predators.

Exceptions for visibility and weed control are built into the law, but non-essential mowing – including cutting for hay – is prohibited.

Iowa’s roadsides provide a valuable refuge for wildlife. The mowing law serves as a reminder to only mow shoulders during the critical nesting season and leave the rest of the roadside for the birds.

For more information, a brochure called Iowa’s Mowing Law for Roadsides, is available at: tallgrassprairiecenter.org/irvm-brochures.

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