Public opinion on Linn County office open houses not clear

The second day of open houses on the future of Linn County offices brought about 75 people to Cleveland Elementary School, but didn't bring the county much closer to understanding the public's will in the matter.

“Results are all over the map,” Supervisor Linda Langston said.

In order to sample public opinion on county offices, the county is holding five open houses this week. Supervisors expect tomorrow's session to be well-attended, at the Carl & Mary Koehler History Center, 615 First Ave. SE, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Consultants will run focus groups next week, compile results of an online county survey and present their findings Nov. 16, before the supervisors decide what to do next.

About 35 people showed up for the open house in Mount Vernon on Monday night. The crowd last night was mostly gray-haired.

“They've got to go back to the original building,” said Lowell Rutz of southwest Cedar Rapids. “I like Westdale, but you're talking millions of dollars.”

Steve & Barry's, the current home of key county offices, would cost roughly $16.8 million to buy and renovate to acceptable standards, according to an architectural study commissioned by the supervisors.

Another option, renovating and expanding the Administrative Office Building at 930 First St. SW, would cost $11.7 million, supervisors say.

Co-location of county, city and school district offices seemed to appeal to some people, but Elaine Olson said the cost is prohibitive.

“My pipe dream would have everything together,” said Olson, of southwest Cedar Rapids. “But that's not going to happen.”

Other options include going back to the Administrative Office Building as it was before the flood, and buying and renovating the former Econofoods store on 51st Street NE.