From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
Iowa City Schools is finalizing a budget for the next school year amid mounting financial concerns that have forced the District to borrow money to meet payroll. Lower student enrollment and inaccurate records for years have the district facing a budget deficit. Consultants told the district it needs to consider closing schools or else it will find itself in the same situation within three to five years.
Cedar Rapids creating strategies to improve parking downtown and in Kingston Village, Czech Village, and Newbo. City staff and a consulting team have collected data about the current parking conditions and demand and presented some of its strategies at an open house last night. Among the suggestions is a public education campaign, better signage of available parking, developing a New Bohemia parking ramp, increasing parking fines, and developing a residential parking permit program. A draft plan is expected in August at the soonest with a final plan submitted in November at the latest.
A Cedar Rapids venue is more conspicuous this morning. The CSPS Hall in the New Bo neighborhood has a new marquee to better welcome guests. Leaders with the arts venue say the new sign better marks its location made possible by donors, sponsors, and patrons.
Cedar Rapids Fire Chief Greg Smith is retiring after 32 years. He previously served as Battalion Chief, Fire Captain and Firefighter. His last day is set for June 30. A city commission will discuss the process of hiring a new fire chief at a meeting later today.
Advocates for Social Justice is calling for a new citizens committee that can take a closer look at some of the city’s police operations. The city says it has no intent to create a citizen review board overseeing police conduct but instead is looking at a panel that emphasizes creating policies, technology use and public outreach. A new state law went into effect last year, making it illegal for cities like Cedar Rapids to have such Citizen Review Boards. The Cedar Rapids board was dismantled last summer because of that law.
