Government Notes: $305K raised to support campaign for CR schools bond

Believe in CR Schools has raised almost $305,000 since the committee opened. The money will be used to run a campaign to support passage of the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s $117 million bond referendum.

“We’re thrilled with the outpouring of financial support as the greater Cedar Rapids community is rallying behind this plan to support our kids,” Barbara Solberg, chair of Believe in CR Schools, said in a news release. “From local businesses, community leaders and citizens, Believe in CR Schools has received widespread support because the plan is focused, affordable and prioritizes student safety.

The referendum, if approved, would modernize three historic schools in the Cedar Rapids district and renovate aspects of Kennedy High School.

The plan also includes allocating $35 million to renovate Wilson Middle School into an elementary school that would house Cedar River Academy and Grant Elementary, which would be removed from the district’s inventory.

Mike Moran, chairman and CEO of Janda Motor Services and who supported the campaign financially, said his investment in schools is “all about the future of my business.”

“I want smart young people to be ready to work with us, buy from us and maintain a competitive advantage for Iowa,” Moran said.

Ballot language is due to the county auditor 46 days before city and school elections. At least 25 percent of the number of registered voters in the school district voting in the last election of school officials must sign the petition, according to Iowa Code.

More than 4,000 signatures of the 5,500 signatures needed have been collected.

The bond referendum has received wide-ranging support from labor, civic, education partners and local elected officials in the Cedar Rapids community.

The committee has filed its report with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board.

Cedar Rapids to support new initiative to address homelessness

The city of Cedar Rapids is entering into a new partnership to further support services for those experiencing homelessness.

Cedar Rapids City Council members last week approved an agreement between the city and the Housing Fund for Linn County to support the operation of the Community Care Team and Margaret Bock Housing Collaborative Pilot Program.

The program aims to assist individuals who are experiencing homelessness to provide supportive housing solutions with intensive wraparound services from members of the community care team.

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This new plan could help end homelessness in Cedar Rapids

The goal is to transition the existing Margaret Bock Housing — which provides low-income, affordable housing — into a more robust supportive housing program. The city’s funds will in part help support a full-time case manager through HACAP to connect participants with available resources and support.

Per the agreement, the city will allocate up to $104,000 annually for three years using funds from the city’s homeless management services budget. Those funds will support the Margaret Bock program, along with the city’s existing commitments to other related initiatives.

The move is one of many the city has taken to address issues related to homelessness. The city also partners with Linn County, for example, to jointly fund a homeless systems manager position and to operate a winter weather shelter.

Linn County releases interactive budget dashboard

Area residents can now learn more about Linn County’s finances with an interactive online tool.

The county last week published its fiscal year 2026 budget dashboard at bit.ly/LinnCoFY26. This year marks the second the county has used the tool in collaboration with OpenGov, a software company specializing in municipal government work.

Residents can use the dashboard to see how county tax dollars are spent and which programs are being funded. The online tool aims to help residents better understand county spending and endorses fiscal transparency.

“The OpenGov dashboard gives residents clear, accessible insight into how Linn County invests public resources,” Linn County Board of Supervisors Chair Brandy Meisheid said in a written statement. “We want people to see not only where their tax dollars are going, but also the value they’re getting in return.”

Supervisors approved the $166.2 million fiscal year 2026 budget in April following five months of public meetings and two public hearings. The countywide levy rate dropped by one penny to $6.06 per $1,000 of taxable value.

Property taxes account for nearly half the county’s budget, although it makes up only 16 percent of the overall property tax bill for residents living in one of Linn County’s cities. The rest is collected by cities, school districts and other taxing entities.

To see the exact dollar amount and percentage of your property taxes going to each taxing jurisdiction, visit Linn County’s property tax collection and distribution website and enter your address in the online search tool.

Greater IC continues Strategic Investment District process

Greater Iowa City Inc., now in partnership with the Community Foundation of Johnson County, is moving into the next phase of its Strategic Investment District process.

The hyperlocal districts, which include a portion of Cherry Street in North Liberty, Fifth Street in Coralville and part of the Sycamore area in Iowa City, will be the focus of targeted economic growth efforts by the nonprofit network of business and public-sector leaders.

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“At the Community Foundation of Johnson County, we invest in long-term solutions that improve quality of life for everyone in Johnson County,” Shelly Maharry, president and CEO of CFJC, said in a news release. “The STRID initiative reflects our values of intentional investment, equity, access, and community voice. This is how we shape the future, together.”

So far, the process has included planning sessions with more than 45 local professionals. Now, the investment districts will have another round of refinement sessions to further home in on local priorities and economic opportunities.

“Place matters in economic development,” Nancy Bird, president of Greater Iowa City, Inc, said in a news release. “These districts allow us to align local priorities with targeted investments that support working families, small businesses, and vibrant neighborhoods. The STRID model builds on the strength of each community and helps design spaces where people and businesses can thrive.”

Mercer Park pool to close to allow for roof replacement

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The Mercer Park Aquatic Center pool will be closed beginning Monday, Aug. 4, until Thursday Sept. 9 to allow for the $655,000 roof replacement project.

During that period, the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center will offer extended swimming hours. The rest of Mercer Park Aquatic Center and Scanlon gym will remain open during normal hours throughout the roof replacement project.

The expanded hours at Robert A. Lee Recreation Center Pool (Aug. 4-Sept. 9) are as follows:

Government Notes is published Mondays and contains updates from area governmental bodies. The Gazette’s Grace King, Grace Nieland and Megan Woolard contributed.