Local Government

In light of a state error leaving local governments in the lurch and down millions in expected revenue as they set their budgets for the 2024 fiscal year, Linn County supervisors are exploring where to trim the budget.

Marion residents who want to be considered for appointment to the city council are invited to apply for the position by March 30. The council is expected to appoint a new representative on April 6.

Iowa City drivers and pedestrians should expect detours when the heavily traveled Gilbert Street bridge near downtown is replaced. Here’s what you should know ahead of construction beginning in late April.

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

The department’s goal is to address coverage gaps among vulnerable populations on the city’s south side.

Work on a 640-acre solar farm near Coggon may soon be underway after a Linn County District Court judge on Wednesday dismissed a lawsuit brought against the Board of Supervisors by a family who lives near the planned project.

In a bid to recruit and retain qualified workers to Linn County while grappling with record-high inflation, the county compensation board suggested bumping salaries 12 percent for the county sheriff and attorney, and 10 percent for others.

As Uptown Marion undergone a revitalization, more people are visiting. That means parking spaces are harder to come by. But leaders say the issue is not that there aren’t enough parking spaces, it’s that people don’t always know where to find parking.

Also, Iowa City residents’ feedback leads to new bus stop

The project is in the early stages as the city works to secure state and federal funding to help pay for the effort. A decision on the city’s application is anticipated in November.

The proposed $174M budget would make fiscal year 2024 “our largest year yet,” according to Marion’s assistant finance director, Brian McKenzie. He attributed the growth to a number of capital projects, including the Public Services Department facility, Uptown Plaza and Depot development, and continued streetscape work.

Developer Brandon Pratt is asking the city to be a financial partner in the project, which would include an indoor recreation area for sports and community events, a Pizza Ranch restaurant, and a family entertainment center, which will include bowling, ax-throwing, billiards, an arcade and shuffleboard.