The masks are coming off this week across Johnson County.

The Johnson County Public Board of Health rescinded a mask mandate that had been in place since August 2020. The move was approved by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors at its formal meeting May 27.

The action takes effect May 31, which is the same day the current mask mandate was set to expire.

The board first approved a mask mandate on August 10, 2020, as a way to fight the spread of COVID-19 in the county.

“It’s been a long 14 months for all of us,” said Pat Heiden, board chairperson.

Bridge weight lowered on Derby SW

Due to damage discovered on a bridge overpassing a stream on Derby Avenue SW, south of 560th Street, the commissioners approved reducing the legal weight from 25 tons to 3 tons.

The new weight limit will allow passenger vehicles to access Derby Avenue SW between 560th Street and Johnson-Washington Road SW, but not heavier vehicles.

The damage to a pile cap on the bridge is “significant,” said Ed Bartels, Assistant Johnson County Engineer.

“This [3 tons] is a very low number,” said Rod Sullivan, Johnson County Supervisor. “So, I would just urge people to use caution there because that’s about low a number as they will post without closing it.”

The road is located in southern Johnson County, northwest of Kalona and northeast of Wellman.

The bridge is scheduled to be replaced in 2025 at a cost of approximately $500,000, as a part of the county’s five-year plan.

Bartels said signs would be installed immediately to indicate the weight change. The road splits an 80-acre farming property.

The bridge was constructed in 1954, Bartels said, and is used by about 100 vehicles per day.

ARPA funds

At its working session of nearly four hours on Wednesday, the commissioners listened to a lengthy presentation on American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Johnson County is set to receive $29.3 million of the $1.9 trillion that will be paid out across the country and was signed into law on March 11 by President Joe Biden. As a comparison, Washington County will receive $4.3 million.

Funds must be allocated by December 31, 2024 and spent by December 31, 2026.

In addition to infrastructure covering expanded broadband, and water and sewer projects, Johnson County funds are expected to be used on the stimulation of recovery from COVID-19, aid to small businesses and other needs that will be reviewed by the commissioners on a regular basis.

ARPA information is available online at johnsoncountyiowa.gov.