IOWA CITY
Johnson County’s General Assistance Program, which expanded three years ago due to needs during the Covid-19 pandemic, will have a number of changes enacted in October.
…
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you had a login with the previous version of our e-edition, then you already have a login here. You just need to reset your password by clicking here.
If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
Please log in to continue |
|
IOWA CITY
Johnson County’s General Assistance Program, which expanded three years ago due to needs during the Covid-19 pandemic, will have a number of changes enacted in October.
Among them are using 30% Area Median Income, or AMI, as an eligibility factor for affordable housing and other assistance. In addition, gross income, instead of net income, will be used for eligibility.
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors approved the revisions during its Sept. 26 formal session.
In a presentation to the Board on Sept. 25, Lynette Jacoby, Social Services Director, said that funds allocated to the program through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) had run out and the funding will now be done through county funds.
The program benefits the poorest residents in Johnson County, but all recipients must be U.S. citizens or have legal documented status. The program assisted more than 1,000 households in Fiscal Year 2024 with housing, food and fuel help.
Fireworks Public Hearing
The Board set 5:30 p.m. October 10 as the public hearing date for a number of changes to the county’s fireworks ordinance.
A proposal establishes minimum distances for shooting and fallout areas, includes safety for unoccupied and occupied structures, barns and sheds, and establishes dates and times when permits are not needed for consumer fireworks, the kind that are bought at roadside stands.
Consumer fireworks can be used, without county-issued permits, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. for three days in early July, around and including the Fourth of July, and a 5.5-hour stretch from 7 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.
All other dates would require permits.
The Board will vote on the proposal following the public hearing.
Board Actions
The Board approved a $208,000 28E agreement with Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County for the establishment of a community violence intervention program.
The Board approved a number of updated fee schedules for building permits and department general applications, including $500 for subdivision plat applications and $500 for zoning map changes.
The Board approved the purchase of an eCivis Grantsmaking software service agreement, costing $12,000 plus an annual subscription of $20,000.
The Board approved a number of amendments to the Johnson County Unified Development Ordinance.