Weed commissioner retires, tittering ensues

CEDAR RAPIDS - The little-known Linn County Weed Commissioner is retiring, and amid all the suppressed laughter, the supervisors are looking for a replacement.

Supervisor Brent Oleson had some fun on his blog about the new vacancy, with the obligatory references to Cheech & Chong, Harold & Kumar and Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

But, of course, the job of the weed commissioner relates to less exotic vegetation than the kind that fascinated Cheech. It's really a diplomatic position, settling disputes between neighbors over tall weeds.

Iowa law gives the weed commissioner responsibility for the “destruction of noxious weeds in the county, including those growing within the limits of cities, within the confines of abandoned cemeteries, and along streets and highways unless otherwise provided,” Oleson wrote.

A visit or letter from the weed commissioner telling you to control your noxious weeds is binding, and if you don't control them the Iowa Weed Law allows him or her to get rid of the weeds, Oleson wrote. The charge is then added as a lien on your land to be paid the next time you pay property tax.

The part-time duties pay a $7,000 stipend, Oleson said. Other responsibilities include working with township trustees on cemetery issues, the Roadside Vegetation Committee, and the Linn County Secondary Roads Department and Engineer.

The retiring commissioner is Orville Ellingson. People interested in the job should give the Linn County Supervisors a call at (319) 892-5000.