City of Atkins

Hey Volunteers! You can still turn in hours!

Atkins Volunteer log

Attached is information about logging your volunteer hours.  It states that it is due on Aug 31st, 2020.  If you are still putting in volunteer hours please continue to log your hours.  You can still turn them in to the drop box in the City Hall parking lot.

First of all, Thank You! Your hours worked in disaster cleanup count as money to help pay the cost of cleanup of

Atkins. So many great volunteers have lent a hand that we can get credit against cost of the value of your hours

worked. Atkins, you have worked hard, so please provide some information that we can use to capture this

opportunity. It will lessen the cost burden to the City, and recognize the tremendous value volunteers provide to the

community. Let’s try to cover the cost with volunteer hours match!

Last day of Construction debris pickup is Fri Oct 9th,

The last day of Construction debris pickup will be Friday, October 9,

2020.

See Attached!

Red Cross Financial Aid for Storm Victims

Through the American Red Cross, qualified households are eligible for $450 to support emergency needs. Funds can help families replace clothes or food, offset transportation costs or support other immediate needs.

All Red Cross services, including financial assistance, are free and available to whoever needs it, regardless of citizenship or residency status, nationality, race, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, class or political opinions.

To learn about other resources that may be available to assist households as a result of Iowa Derecho, call 2-1-1 or visit redcrossdisasterresources.auntbertha.com.

To apply:  Heads of household should to call 1-800-REDCROSS, and select prompt 4. The financial assistance application requires a valid text-enabled phone number and/or an email address for processing.

You’ll need this information to complete your registration:

• Documentation to validate identity, which can include U.S. or foreign passport, government issued driver’s license or ID, permanent resident card or consular identification.
• Documents to validate proof of residence, which can include a valid government issued driver’s license or ID, a deed, a mortgage statement, a lease or rental agreement on property letterhead signed by landlord, a monthly utility bill or bank statement, or an official document such as mail from a child’s school or vehicle insurance card, dated between July 11, 2020 and Sept. 9, 2020.
• Bank account information. Funds will be made available using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).

Rental and mortgage assistance

The Iowa Association of Realtors partnered with the National Association of Realtors to provide storm relief with a grant of $250,000. This grant can help with mortgage payment assistance or rental costs due to displacement up to $1,000 per applicant. Deadline to submit an application is Oct. 31.

Some scenarios that would be eligible:

• A homeowner with a mortgage that was displaced due to damage of their home.
• A homeowner with a mortgage living in their home without power due to the storm damage.
• A renter that was displaced due to damage of their apartment building.

To apply:  Visit iowarealtors.com/news/derecho-storm-relief and fill out the application for disaster relief assistance.  For questions, email derechorelief@iowarealtors or call 1-800-532-1515

You’ll need this information to complete your registration:

• Photo identification to show proof or residency (driver’s license or other government form of documentation)
• Copy of mortgage statement, mortgage payment coupon, lease agreement or rent statement
• One of the following to show proof of damage: Photos of damage; insurance estimate; copies of written claims, settlement proceeds of claim status reports; copies of repair estimates from contractors.

State assistance, for counties not approved for FEMA aid

FEMA aid for individuals is not yet available for counties other than Linn, but Gov. Kim Reynolds also issued a state disaster proclamation for Audubon, Benton, Boone, Dallas, Cass, Cedar, Clarke, Clinton, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hardin, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Madison, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story, Tama, and Washington counties.

For counties under the state disaster declaration, but where federal aid has not been approved for individuals and homeowners, the proclamation activates:

• The Disaster Case Management Program to address serious needs to overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury or adverse condition. Disaster case managers work with clients to create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice and referral to obtain a service or resource. There are no income eligibility requirements for the program; it closes 180 days from the date of the governor’s proclamation. For information on the Disaster Case Management Program, contact your local community action association or visit iowacommunityaction.org.
• The Iowa Individual Assistance Grant Program provides grants of up to $5,000 for households with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level or a maximum annual income of $43,440 for a family of three. Grants are available for home or car repairs, replacement of clothing or food, and temporary housing expenses. Original receipts are required for reimbursement for expenses related to storm recovery. The grant application and instructions are available on the Iowa Department of Human Services website. Potential applicants have 45 days from the date of the proclamation to submit a claim.

Assistance for Iowa WIC families for food replacement

The Iowa Department of Public Health will provide assistance for WIC families living in the 16 counties designated under the federal disaster declaration: Benton, Boone, Cedar, Clinton, Dallas, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story and Tama counties.

WIC foods purchased between Aug. 1 and 10 and destroyed or spoiled as the result of storm damage or power outage may be replaced. Any WIC foods purchased after Aug. 10 are not eligible for replacement.

To apply:  WIC families must contact their local WIC agency no later than Aug. 31 to be considered for food replacement.  Visit the IDPH website at idph.iowa.gov/WIC for more information on WIC and to find local offices or call 515-281-6650.

Help to replace food for families who receive other food assistance

Households that currently receive food assistance may request replacement of food destroyed because of storm damage, or spoilage as a result of a power outage. Households have until Sept. 17 to complete the form requesting replacement of food loss.

To apply:  Digital submission: Download and complete the application form, then submit a clear image of the form to: ImagingCenter5@dhs.state.ia.us.  Forms also are available at local Department of Human Services offices and are also available by mail. Completed paper forms can be submitted to local offices in person, by mail or by fax. Use the DHS Office Locator to find the nearest office or call 1-877-347-5678.

Help for farmers

While FEMA aid has not been approved to cover agriculture losses, the USDA has an emergency farm loan program that assists farmers to recover from destroyed grain bins, according to information shared by Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley’s office.

Farmers should work closely with their local Farm Service Agencies and crop insurance providers for disaster-related assistance. The Livestock Indemnity Program provides assistance for livestock deaths from adverse weather events. There also is help available for noninsured crops through the Noninsured Crop Assistance Program (NAP). Nursery tree operators and orchard growers may qualify for help through the Tree Assistance Program. The EQIP and Emergency Watershed Protection Program provides disaster-related recovery and conservation assistance. The Risk Management Agency administers the federal crop insurance program. More than 90 percent of Iowa farmers are covered by federal crop insurance. Producers are advised to follow up in writing within 15 days of reporting losses and crop damage to their insurance service provider.

Small Business Administration loans for business, residential

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Iowa businesses and residents as a result of President Trump’s major disaster declaration. Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

To apply:  Visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/s, click “Apply Online” and follow the registration process and fill out the application.  For questions, call 916-735-1500or email FOCWAssistance@sba.gov.

You’ll need this information to complete your registration:

Businesses:  IRS Form 4506-T completed and signed (this allows the SBA to receive a transcript of your tax return).  Complete copies, including all schedules, of the most recent federal income tax returns for the applicant business.  Other information that may be necessary is listed here.

Homeowners and renters:  IRS Form 4506-T completed and signed (this allows the SBA to receive a transcript of your tax return)

Disaster loans from local banks, credit unions

Many area banks and credit unions are providing hardship loans for people affected by the storm, some providing relief from payments for 90 days or more or delaying interest payments. For more information, contact your financial institution or visit the website. Financial institutions include MidWestOne, GreenState Credit Union, Veridian Credit Union, Hills Bank, Linn Area Credit Union, and many others.

Inside your City of Atkins City Services Statement.

Inside your City of Atkins City Services Statement.

Check it out here.

2020 Waste Management Recycle Calendar

2020 Waste Management Recycle Calendar

Disaster Recovery Resources

The Gazette is updating a list of Linn County resources and opportunities to help in eastern Iowa.

The Iowa Department of Human Services has state resources for those impacted by the storm.

Check the LAP-AID website for resources at https://www.linndisasterinfo.com/stormFind Child Care:  Child Care Resource & Referral toll free #:  855-244-5301

Derecho-2020-Benton-County-Resource-Directory-8.17.20

Individual Assistance Grants: Households with incomes within 200% of federal poverty (maximum annual income of $43,440 for a family of three) can apply for grants for home and car repairs, replacing clothes and food, and temporary housing.  http://www.cityofatkins.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/470-4448-Iowa-Individual-Disaster-Assistance-Grant-Program-IIAGP-Application.pdf

SNAP Food Assistance: Iowans who receive Food Assistance can request replacement of food destroyed by the storm or power outage. Completed applications must be turned in by September 17.  Food_Replacement_Form_470-2920

Disaster Case Management: Assists all Iowans with overcoming disaster-related hardship (no income cap). Disaster case managers help you create a disaster recovery plan and provide guidance, advice and referrals.  Contact HACAP @ 319-393-7811 for an application.

Disaster Mental Health Assistance:  211- When calling into 211 the caller is able to press the number 8 to speak to a crisis counselor about mental health needs. If the caller comes through 211 sharing they have the need to speak with someone, we will share the resources we have in the database as referrals for that caller.

Lost Wages Assistance funds

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved Governor Reynolds’s application for the Lost Wages Assistance program, which provides eligible unemployment claimants with additional benefits. Iowans whose unemployment is the result of the pandemic, and who are eligible for at least $100 in benefits per week, will qualify for an additional $300 in weekly benefits retroactive to the week ending August 1.
More information, eligibility requirements and the application process are available at iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov.

Eviction & Foreclosure Prevention Program updates

More Iowans can get assistance with rent and mortgage payments under expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 Iowa Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention program.
Those who previously received $600 in weekly unemployment benefits can now apply for assistance. Those previously denied assistance due to unemployment benefits may re-apply.

Who qualifies? Renters and homeowners at risk of eviction or foreclosure due to a COVID-19 related loss of income since March 17 who meet income and other eligibility criteria. Household income at the time of application may not exceed 80% of the median family income, which varies by household size and county.
What’s available? Up to four months of rental assistance ($3,200 maximum), including manufactured home rent and lot rent; or up to four months of mortgage payment assistance ($3,000 maximum).
For complete details and to apply, go to IowaHousingRecovery.com.

City of Atkins Updates September 11th

City of Atkins Updates September 23rd,

City of Atkins Clean up Day will be October 3rd from 8am to 2pm at the Atkins Fire Station Parking lot.  See the Flyer here.

Tree and Brush collection continues will be continuing through the end of September.  The City will then re access the need.  Please continue to place brush and trees at the curb.

Construction materials are still being pickup at well.  Please continue to place construction materials at the curb.  Damaged household items and appliances can be taken Benton County Landfill or they can be brought to the Atkins Clean up Day on Oct 3rd (see above)

No open burning is allowed in The City of Atkins.  Recreational fires are allowed if they are monitored, no more then 3 ft tall and a minimum of 25Ft from structures or brush piles.  The brush and grass are very dry and fire could spread quickly.

Solid Waste, Yard Waste and Recycling will be picked up as normal on Wednesdays.

The City of Atkins will be resuming late fees on the City Services monthly bill.  The City Services payment is due by the 20th of each month.  After the 20th of the month a $15.00 late fee will be applied to your account.  The City will also resume water shut off due to non-payment.  Notices will be sent to residents impacted by this. You can Pay anytime online at CityofAtkins.org or sign up for automatic ACH withdrawal from your account. If you have questions about your City Services Statement please call City Hall at 319-446-7870.

The Water Payment Drop box in the City Hall Parking lot will be relocated near the ATM in the City Hall Parking lot.  You can still drop off payments or any other correspondence like, Garbage Can/Recycle Container replacement requests, building permits, etc.