IOWA CITY

Nearly $1 million was requested by 10 agencies for an available $230,000 in Johnson County Social Services emergency food and housing assistance grants.

The Coralville Food Pantry was recommended for a $100,000 grant and Shelter House was awarded $60,000 by Lynette Jacoby, Johnson County Social Services Director.

“It was a bit challenging to determine allocations because these are all really worthy organizations doing fantastic work,” Social Services Director Lynette Jacoby said.

Ten applications for funds totaled $991,408, including more than $440,000 by Shelter House alone.

Other recommendations included $20,000 (out of a requested $25,000) for the Hawkeye Area Community Action Program, which helps provide food with 48 food partners throughout Johnson County.

Quality of Life Grants

Genevieve Anglin, Johnson County Grants Manager, rolled out a plan to revise the county’s Quality of Life grants program to two categories: community mini grants, which will provide up to $5,000 for smaller scale projects, and programmatic grants, which will provide up to $50,000 for larger scale support programs that “demonstrate measurable improvements in resident well-being.”

The application period for Fiscal Year 2027 is expected to open in March or April with grant awards being finalized in June for the start of the grant period in July 2026.

Board Action

The Board approved a Federal-aid agreement with the Iowa Department of Transportation for pavement restoration on Wapsi Avenue SE between Highway 22 and 520th Street SE, north of Lone Tree.

The Board approved a preconstruction agreement with Iowa DOT for paving of multiple intersection returns along Highway 22.

The Board approved the SEATS Paratransit Service inclement weather policy.

The Board approved amendments to American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) memorandums of understanding for the child care wage enhancement program ($800,000) and child care assistance incentive ($554,000).

The Board set 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11 as the monthly evening formal session for rezoning and platting public hearings.

The Board issued a proclamation to recognize the Community Foundation of Johnson County’s 25^th anniversary.

Next meeting:

The Board’s next formal session is at 9 a.m. November 20.