Articles Tagged: Johnson County

Also, Iowa City school board approves land purchase agreement that will expand the footprint of Iowa City High School.

Johnson County Conservation is challenging outdoor enthusiasts -- a distinction open to everyone -- to get out and explore about a dozen county parks through mid-March to find the Yeti.

Over the last few months, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors has been discussing how to move forward with a costly renovation of the county’s administrative campus after the project costs ballooned.

Since being hired to lead Better Together 2030, executive director Cady Gerlach has been “planting a lot of seeds” about potential projects as Johnson County communities work toward a shared future.

The compensation board recommends a 16 percent salary increase for the county attorney, 12 percent increase for the sheriff and 10 percent increase for auditor, recorder, treasurer and the five supervisors.

Supervisor Rod Sullivan selected as board’s vice chair for 2023.

The Cedar Rapids City Council will hold a public hearing to consider plans for an estimated $4.665 million renovation of the former Colonial Center building into affordable housing units. Also, the deadline is approaching to apply to fill an Iowa City Council vacancy.

Johnson County’s plans for campground improvements to improve water quality at popular F.W. Kent Park will need to be scaled back after bids came in significantly over budget twice, delaying the project by at least one year.

Cedar Rapids City Manager Jeff Pomeranz -- the highest paid city administrator in Iowa -- is slated to receive a 4 percent pay bump this week with a City Council vote.

Local officials in Linn and Johnson counties are exploring solutions to potentially relocate jail facilities, as one county’s facility nears the end of its life while the other has years left, but sits in a less-than-ideal spot.

Linn County this week reported four new virus deaths

Cities of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, University Heights and Johnson County communities will work together, instead of competing against each other, to collect donations for this year’s Severson Charity Challenge.

Eastern Iowa child care advocates say a bill by Iowa U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson to expand eligibility for families to receive child care assistance is a good start, but likely still struggle to find open child care spots, due to low reimbursement rates and wages in the state.

The wage enhancement program funded by pandemic relief dollars is intended to boost wages without raising the cost for Johnson County families.

The program, which helps eligible residents pay for things like rent, utilities and funeral expenses, is on track to spend $1.5 million this year - exceeding its $1 million budget. Johnson County’s social services director attributes the increase to pandemic relief programs ending, and changes that made more people eligible for assistance.