Grace Nieland

The move would address evolving space needs of the Linn County Auditor’s Office and lead election services “into the future.”

Rural EMS departments like the one found in the Lisbon-Mount Vernon area are facing tough decisions about how best to continue service in the face of increased call volumes, stagnating insurance reimbursements and lagging volunteerism.

The Iowa Supreme Court has reversed an appellate opinion in a case against the Cedar Rapids City Council and affirmed that members were legally allowed to enter into closed session to interview a potential city clerk candidate.

The delay results in the loss of $3 million in state funding for the two smaller infrastructure projects, although the city is eligible to reapply at a later date.

Starting next year, county officials hope to leverage a multiphase renovation project — and a game of “musical office chairs” — to tackle growing space needs at the Linn County Courthouse.

Also in this week’s Government Notes roundup, the Cedar Rapids City Council has given its OK for historic landmark designation of a former school site.

The move comes less than a week after the end of a government shutdown that delayed the distribution of SNAP funds.

After a slight delay, the Linn County overnight winter weather shelter is set to open Saturday as a “last resort” for those seeking shelter during the harsh winter months.

The move comes amid a surge in commercial interest in the county’s unincorporated areas.

An ongoing effort to revitalize an iconic Cedar Rapids building has received a $10.5 million boost in the form of state-issued historic preservation tax credits.

Also in this week’s roundup of local government notes, the Iowa City school district will replace an Iowa City High turf soccer field and football practice field with turf.

With the help of a $250,000 planning grant, the Iowa Energy Fund intends to turn Cedar Rapids into its “development grounds” to learn more about effective public-private pathways toward green energy implementation.

Comments can also be submitted online to the Iowa Utilities Commission.

Matt Majeski will replace outgoing CEO Jane Drapeaux on Jan. 1.

Also in this week’s Government Notes, Cedar Rapids Council finalizes rezoning of former Garfield Elementary site