LINN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
CEDAR RAPIDS, LINN COUNTY, IOWA
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2022 9:00 A.M.
(These are the minutes in their entirety. Archived minutes can be found at www.linncounty.org).
The Board met in session at the Linn County Jean Oxley Public Service Center. Present: Chairperson Rogers and Supervisor Walker. Absent: Vice Chairperson Zumbach (personal business). Board members voting “AYE” unless otherwise noted.
Chairperson Rogers called the meeting to order.
The Board received updates from the following Elected Officials:
Sharon Gonzalez, Treasurer – Deputy Houdeshell developed a brochure re: Vehicle Title transfer from a deceased owner; received compliments on staff from a motor vehicle dealer; waiting for cameras to be installed; thanked the Board for ARPA funding for barrier glass installation; explained the Iowa Homeowners Assistance Fund through the Iowa Finance Authority whereby homeowners can apply for payment of property taxes if experienced financial issues due to COVID.
Brian Gardner, Sheriff — thanked the Board for the Resolution approved yesterday (opposing Public Measure #1); ongoing effort to recruit Deputy Sheriffs; continuing efforts to work on remodeling at the Correctional Center (thanked Board for ARPA funds); Ford cut short their production line and increased price per Sheriff’s car over $8,000; US Marshall’s contract is due next calendar year and currently in conversation with consultant (hope to increase per day charge).
Nick Maybanks, Attorney – case statistics; staffing and space needs; pending charges; substantial increase in stolen weapons; cold cases they are working on; utilizing an electronic bulletin board; working on a County Attorney Handbook; legislative proposals (focusing on those that are attainable); training hospital staff on various issues; and marijuana diversion program.
Supervisor Walker encouraged Maybanks to pursue legislation that is a “stretch” such as legalizing marijuana as there is merit in lending his expertise in those areas.
Lisa Epp, Civil Div. Asst. Co. Atty., clarified that the existing office space at the Public Service Center could accommodate an additional staff member.
Joan McCalmant, Recorder – she has offered to stay for a year as a Deputy Recorder to help Carolyn Siebrecht with the transition and staff turnover; passport requests have increased; real estate is down a little; have worked with the Treasurer to help make seamless transfers between offices and will speak to Ohio Recorder’s Assoc. in November re: 2008 flood.
Joel Miller, Auditor – presented statistics on absentee ballots (mailed/returned, in person at Auditor’s Office and at satellite locations). Since the numbers of absentee voting is down compared to 2018, he is encouraging the public that are planning to vote in person on election day to expect lines; there have been no out of the ordinary experiences occurring that he is aware of. He expects reports of shut-in’s, snowbirds and college students that missed the deadline for absentee voting.
Supervisor Walker stated that he is troubled by this information and is glad that Miller has traveled the state educating citizens about the voting system.
Chairperson Rogers stated that he is extremely proud of Auditor Miller and the issues he holds so dear: voting integrity and making it easier for folks to vote. He is also impressed by the increased participation by him and his staff to get information to the public. Rogers stated that he wants citizens and residents of Linn County to know that they have one of the best Auditors and is surrounded by staff such as Deputy Warfield to conduct a flawless election.
Miller explained the election results process in detail on election night. He also stated that he has been working on a succession plan in his office depending on how the election turns out on Tuesday. If he were to take on a new role, the next countywide election is in 2023 (city/school election). He also advised the Board whether he takes on a new role or not, he will not run for re-election in 2024. He noted that his office deserves more work and planning than replacing other Elected Officials due to possible fines by the Secretary of State ($10,000). He continued to say that Auditors across the state are either resigning or not running for another term.
Adjournment at 10:22 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
JOEL D. MILLER, Linn County Auditor
By: Rebecca Shoop, Deputy Auditor
Approved by:
BEN ROGERS, Chairperson
Board of Supervisors
Published in the Sun, Nov. 17, 2022.