Frequently Asked Questions
Assessor
How does one figure their property taxes?
- Assessed value and taxable value are not synonymous terms.
- Property is assessed as of January First.
- Property reassessed every two years.
- Taxes are levied on a value determined by the auditor by applying a “roll back” percentage to the assessed value and deducting any applicable exemptions or credits. The “roll back” percentages vary each year.
Example
| $100,000 | 2002 Assessed value (residential class) |
| x0.513874 | roll back percentage (2002) (last year roll back 0.516676) |
| =51,387 | roll back value (taxable) |
| x0.03238763 | levy $32.38763 per thousand (varies with taxing district) |
| =$1,664.30 | gross tax |
| -$157.08 | homestead tax credit ($4,850 x 0.03238763) |
| =$1,508.00 | property tax (rounded to nearest even whole dollar) |
How does the assessor estimate market value?
The assessor generally uses three approaches to estimate the market value of your property.
The first approach is to find the properties that are comparable to yours which have sold recently. Local conditions peculiar to your property are taken into consideration. The assessor also uses sales ratio studies to determine the general level of assessment in a community, in order to adjust for local conditions. This method is generally referred to as the “market approach,” and is usually considered the most important in determining the value of a residential property.
The second approach is the “cost approach,” and is an estimate of how many dollars, at current labor and material prices, it would take to replace your property with one similar to it. In the event improvement is not new, appropriate amounts for depreciation and obsolescence would be deducted from the replacement value. Value of the land then would be added to arrive at a total estimate of the value.
The “income approach” is the third method used if your property produces income such as an apartment or office building. In that case, your property could be valued according to its ability to produce income under prudent management; in other words, what another investor would give for a property in order to gain its income. The income approach is the most complex of the three approaches because of the research, information and analysis necessary for an accurate estimate of value. This method requires thorough knowledge of local and national financial conditions, as well as any developmental trends in the area of the subject property being appraised since errors or inaccurate information can seriously effect the final estimate of value.
What is Family Farm Credit?
This credit is available to all farm operators who own and operate farm land, or farm land owned by a family member such as parents, children, grandparents, grandchildren, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew. Cousins do not qualify.
Family Farm One-Time Filing
If a claim for the family farm credit is filed by November 1, 2001, or thereafter, and approved, further filing is not required provided the claimant owns the property on July 1 of subsequent years and the designated person actively engaged in farming the property remains the same.
If the ownership changes, the new owner must re-file for the credit and if the “designated person” changes, the owner must re-file for the credit.
The owner must notify the assessor in writing of a change in the “designated person”. Failure to do so will result in a penalty.
Contact the Assessor’s Office for more information on the complexities of this law. See Code of Iowa Chapter 425A
What is a Military Exemption?
Any property owner who has been involved in full-time active duty during a war or conflict has been honorably discharged and lives in Iowa qualifies for a military exemption. The applicable times of either a war or conflict are spelled out in Section 427.3 of the Code of Iowa. Though the wars date back to 1846, the ones generally in use now are for World War I through the Viet Nam conflict. The amount of the exemption in taxable value for the most often used exemptions is $2,778 for WWI and $1,852 for any others after that. It is the responsibility of each person who qualifies for and wishes to receive a military exemption, to make application with the city or county assessor and also have their discharge papers (DD214) recorded in the appropriate county. Application is to be made prior to July 1 of the claim year. National guardsmen and reserves are not eligible for the exemption is their only active duty was for training purposes. On some rare occasions, there were guardsmen and reserves that were called into active duty other than training. In these cases, the person is eligible for the exemption. See Code of Iowa Chapter 426A.
Eligibility
- World War I
- April 6, 1917 to November 11, 1918
- Army of Occupation in Germany
- November 12, 1918 to July 11, 1923
- American Expeditionary Forces in Siberia
- November 12, 1918 to April 30, 1920
- Second Haitian Suppression of Insurrections
- 1919 – 1920
- Second Nicaraguan Campaign w/ the Navy or Marines in Nicaragua
- August 27, 1926 to January 2, 1933
- Yangtze Service w/ Navy & Marines in Shanghai or in Yangtze Valley
- 1926 – 1927 and 1930 – 1932
- Marines/Several Warships Ordered to Nicaragua
- January 6, 1927 (withdrawn 1933)
- Navy & Marine Operations in China
- August 11, 1937 to July 1939
- World War II
- December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
- Women’s Air Corp. during WWII
- December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946
- Korean Conflict
- June 25, 1950 to January 31, 1955
- Vietnam Conflict
- February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975
- Dates changed in 1999
- Lebanon/Granada
- August 24, 1982 to July 31, 1984
- Panama
- December 20, 1989 to January 31, 1990
- Persian Gulf War
- August 2, 1990 to Present
- Anyone who served in the National Guard or Reserves for 20 years after January 28, 1973, and is now retired/discharged, now qualifies for an exemption
All wartime exemption amounts are $1,852 with the exception of World War I with a $2,778 exemption amount.
Military Records
To get a copy of your DD214 contact the National Personnel Records Center at:
National Personnel Records Center, GSA
(Military Personnel Records)
9700 Page Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63132
What is a homestead tax credit?
Any property owner in the State of Iowa who lives in the property can receive a homestead tax credit. To be eligible, a homeowner must occupy the homestead any six months out of the year but must reside there on July 1. This exemption is a reduction of the taxable value of their property amounting to a maximum $4,850 or the amount which does not allow the taxable value to be less than zero Disabled veterans that acquired property under the provisions of the United States Code, Title38, Chapter 21, Sections 801 and 802 are allowed to claim a homestead credit that would be equal to the entire amount of taxes levied on the homestead property. The exemption is not allowed if the combined income of the veteran and their spouse, if any, exceeds $25,000 in the prior income tax year. Income means taxable income for federal income tax purposes plus income from any political subdivision exempt from federal income tax. See Code of Iowa.
What is market value?
Residential, commercial and industrial real property is assessed at 100% market value. Market value of a property is an estimate of the price that it would sell for on the open market on the first day of January of the year of assessment. This is often referred to as the “arms length transaction” or “willing buyer/willing seller” concept. The assessor must determine the fair market value of real property. To do this, the assessor generally uses three approaches to value.
Market Approach
The first approach is to find properties that are comparable to the subject property and that have recently sold. Local conditions peculiar to the subject property are then considered. In order to adjust for local conditions, the assessor also uses sales ratio studies to determine the general level of assessment in a community. This method is generally referred to as the "market approach" and is usually considered the most important in determining the value of residential property.
Cost Approach
The second approach to value is the "cost approach" which is an estimate of how many dollars at current labor and material prices it would take to replace a property with one similar to it. In the event the improvement is not new, appropriate amounts of depreciation and obsolescence are deducted from replacement value. Value of the land is added to arrive at an estimate of total property value.
Income Approach
The "income approach" is the third method used if the property produces income. If the property is an income producing property, it could be valued according to its ability to produce income under prudent management; in other words, what another investor would give for a property in order to gain its income. The income approach is the most complex of the three approaches because of the research, information and analysis necessary for an accurate estimate of value. This method requires thorough knowledge of local and national financial conditions, as well as any developmental trends in the area of the subject property being appraised since errors or inaccurate information can seriously affect the final estimate of value.
Agricultural real property is assessed at 100% of productivity and net earning capacity value. The assessor considers the productivity and net earning capacity of the property. Agricultural income as reflected by production, prices, expenses, and various local conditions is taken into account.
What qualifies you as the assessor?
Assessors are appointed to their position by a Conference Board consisting of the members of the Board of Supervisors, the Mayors of all cities, and a member from each of the school boards within the jurisdiction.
Assessors are required by law to pass a state examination and complete a continuing education program consisting of 150 hours of formal classroom instruction with 90 hours tested and a passing grade of 70% attained. The latter requirement must be met in order for the assessor to be reappointed to the position every six years.
The Conference Board approves the assessor’s budget and after a public hearing acts on adoption of the same. The assessor is limited, by statute, depending upon the value of the jurisdiction, to a levy limitation for the budget.
Why does my value change?
After properties have been appraised, the values are analyzed to ensure accurate and equitable assessments. Iowa law requires that all real property be reassessed every two years. The current law requires the reassessment to occur in odd numbered years. Changes in market value as indicated by research, sales ratio studies and analysis of local conditions as well as economic trends both in and outside the construction industry are used in determining property assessments.
If you disagree with the assessor’s estimate of value, please consider these two questions:
- What is the actual market value of my property?
- How does the value compare to similar properties in the neighborhood?
If you have any questions about the assessment of your property, please contact my office.
Auditor
How do I add or remove someone from my deed?
To add or remove someone from your deed following a marriage, divorce, death, etc., we recommend contacting an attorney or abstract/title search company to have the proper documentation drawn up and recorded. The Auditor’s office cannot prepare deeds for property owners.
How do I get an abstract for my property?
Contact an abstract/title search company to have one prepared.
How do I split or combine parcels of land?
A split of land must be approved by the necessary planning department. If you live in a city you should start the process with your city’s planning department. If you live in the County, outside any city limits, you should start the process with the County Planning and Zoning Dept.
General Questions
Absentee
Can I pick up or request a ballot for someone else?
No. In Iowa you can only request an absentee ballot for yourself.
Can I request an absentee ballot by email or fax?
Yes. You may request an absentee ballot via email or fax and a ballot will be mailed to you. However, in order for your ballot to be counted you must also mail in or drop off the original paper ballot request.
Can I use power of attorney to request a ballot for my spouse, child or parent?
No. Under Iowa law, power of attorney does not apply for all election related matters.
Can someone else return my absentee ballot for me?
The only people who may return a ballot for a voter are:
- someone living in the voter’s household
- an immediate family member
- a special precinct election official delivering a ballot for health care residents
- a delivery agent, in the case of a voter unable to return a ballot due to blindness or other disability
Do I need to sign the return envelope of my absentee ballot?
Yes! Your absentee ballot cannot be counted unless you have signed the affidavit envelope that you return your ballot in. If we receive a ballot back that has not been signed we will attempt to contact you to get this fixed. Once contacted, you may decide to either:
- Request a replacement ballot and return it by 8:00 p.m. on election day
- Vote at the polls on election day
- Sign the affidavit in person at the county auditor’s office by 8:00 p.m. on election day
Do absentee ballots even get counted?
Yes. There is a myth that absentee ballots only get counted if the election is close, however, this is not true. Under Iowa law, every ballot must be counted.
What is the last day I can turn in my absentee ballot?
You are allowed to hand deliver your ballot to the Auditor’s office up until the time the polls close on Election Day. If you return your ballot through the mail, your ballot must arrive by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, with exceptions for individuals in the Safe at Home program and military/overseas citizens. Learn more on our Absentee Voting page.
Election Day
Can I get help marking my ballot?
Yes. If you need assistance filling out your ballot ask a poll worker for help. A team of one republican and one democrat will come over and help you mark your ballot. Also available in each polling location is a ballot marking device that will read you all of the choices and then print out your marked ballot.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Yes. Iowa law allows for Election Day registration if you are able to provide proof of identification (i.e. valid photo ID) and proof of residency (i.e. utility bill with your name on it if your ID has an outdated address on it). If you are unable to provide one or both of these you are allowed to bring someone with you to attest that you have the right to vote.
Can I take my absentee ballot to the polls on Election Day and vote there?
Yes. If you have not returned your absentee ballot you may go to your polling place on Election Day and vote a regular ballot.
Do I need to show ID to vote?
Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, Tribal ID or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Voters, starting in 2019, without an ID may cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identity.
I am already registered but my information needs updated; can I do that on Election Day?
Yes. While it is recommended that you update your information prior to Election Day to speed things up at the polls, you may wait and do so on Election Day. If you are updating your address just make sure you are going to the polling place for your new address. When updating your address you will now need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency.
I can't get out of my car; can someone bring me a ballot to vote from there?
Yes. If you are unable to go inside the polling place a team of election workers will be sent out to your car to help you vote.
I lost my absentee ballot; can I just go vote on Election Day?
Yes. When you go to vote, a poll worker will verify with the auditor’s office that your absentee ballot has not been returned. If it is confirmed that the auditor’s office has not received a ballot from you then you will be given a new ballot to vote there.
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
Starting in January of 2019 you will be required to show identification. If you need to register to vote on Election Day, you must bring proof of identification and proof of residency.
What if I lost my ID or forgot to take one with me to the polls?
Starting in 2019, if you do not have your ID with you, you may either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to your identity. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
What if I'm still waiting in line when the polls close?
So long as you are in line to vote at the time the polls close you will be allowed to vote.
What is a provisional ballot?
If a voter’s eligibility is in question on Election Day they are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. After the voter marks their ballot and returns it to the poll worker, the voter is required to provide the necessary identification or documentation at the polling place before it closes or provide it at the Auditor’s Office by noon on the following Monday. If the canvass will be held earlier than the following Monday, the identification must be provided before the canvass.
If it is determined that you do have the right to vote in the precinct in which you voted, your ballot will then be counted and included in the final vote total.
General Information
Can I get a new ballot if I make a mistake or lose my ballot?
Yes. If you make a mistake on an absentee ballot mark your return envelope “Spoiled” and return it to the Auditor’s office either by mail or in person. If you return it by mail contact the Auditor’s office to be sent a new one.
On Election Day if you make a mistake on your ballot, return it to the poll worker to receive a new one. You are allowed up to three ballots so don’t make too many mistakes!
Can I vote for someone that is not on the ballot?
Yes. For each race on the ballot, a line is provided for you to write-in the name of someone for whom you wish to vote for. Make sure you color in the oval!
Can an independent vote in a primary election?
Yes and No. In Iowa, you must be a member of a political party (currently: Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian) to vote in a primary election. However, anyone* can change parties on Election Day and vote. For independents to vote they must declare a political party.
*Precinct election officials may not change political parties within 30 days of an election.
Do I have to vote for everything on the ballot?
No. You can vote for as much or as little as you would like; it’s all up to you!
If I change my mind on who I want to vote for after I have returned my ballot, can I get a new one?
No. If you have already returned your absentee ballot to the Auditor’s office you may not request a new ballot if you have changed your mind on who you wish to vote for.
If I chose a party do I have to vote for all of their candidates?
It depends on the election. In primary elections, you can only vote for candidates from the party to which you belong. In general elections, you are free to vote for anyone you like, regardless of their party affiliation.
What if I don't have an ID?
Registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator’s ID were issued a voter ID card. Voter ID cards must be signed before going to the polls. The new voter ID card will contain a PIN number that will be used for voting purposes. If you should have a voter ID card and do not, please contact our office to have one sent to you.
What is Voter ID?
Starting in 2019, voters must provide an ID when going to vote. Voters who do not have ID will be allowed to either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identification. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
There are 6 approved types of identification that may be used:
- an Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID
- a Voter ID issued by the Secretary of State or the Auditor’s Office
- a current US Passport
- a US Military ID
- a US Veteran’s ID
- a Tribal ID
Where do I vote?
Where you vote is determined by where you live and you must vote in the precinct to which you are assigned for your ballot to be counted. To find your polling place please visit the Polling Places page on our website.
Registration
Can I update my voter registration over the phone?
No. All updates to voter registration must be made in writing or online through the Iowa DOT if you have an Iowa driver’s license.
Can a homeless person register to vote?
Yes. Any eligible voter in Iowa may register to vote. Because many of those who are homeless have a nontraditional address they just need to provide an address or description of where they sleep the most, wherever that may be.
Can someone with a previous felony conviction vote?
Those with a prior felony conviction are only permitted to vote if their voting rights have been restored by the Governor, including through Executive Order. For more information about restoration of rights, contact the Governor’s office or visit the voter registration page on our website.
Do I have to register to vote for every election?
No. You would only need to re-register if your information has changed and you need to update it.
How do I update my address?
If you have moved recently and need to update your address for voting, all you have to do is fill out a new voter registration form and submit it to the Auditor’s office. If you do not update your address after a move through a new voter registration form and do not vote in the next general election, you will be marked inactive (inactive voters may still vote with proper ID). Registration will be canceled if two more general elections pass with no voter activity.
I just registered and received a card in the mail but there is a mistake on it; what do I do now?
If you notice a mistake on your voter card please contact the Auditor’s Office and/or submit a new registration form to correct your information.
I registered as an independent; why does my card say "NP" or "No Party"?
Iowa does not recognize an “independent” party. Instead, “No Party” is used to indicate a lack of affiliation with a political party.
Recorder
Birth Records
Can I get my birth record if I was born overseas?
Birth records of persons born in foreign countries who are citizens at birth may write to:
Passport Services Correspondence Branch
US Department of State
1111 19th Street NW Suite 510
Washington DC 20522-1705
How do I get my birth certificate?
To obtain a copy of your birth certificate come in person or apply by mail. We should have your record if you were born in Worth County, your parents were married at the time of your birth and you were not adopted. We also have single parent birth's after July of 1995 through present day. We may not have your birth certificate if you were born in the years 1921 through 1941. If you apply in person, you will need to fill out an application, bring your photo I.D., and $15.00 cash/check. If you apply by mail, complete and sign* the Vital Record Application. Please enclose the $15.00 fee in the form of cash, check, or money order. Once we receive your request, we’ll mail it out once we’ve processed your request.
*All signatures must be notarized. If the request is by mail, the applicant must sign in front of a Notary Public and include a clear photocopy of the applicant's current government-issued photo identification. Please call our office 641-324-2734 with any questions concerning vital records.
DNR
Do you process licenses for the Iowa DNR?
Yes, the Worth County Recorder’s Office does process transactions for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. This includes: boat, snowmobile, ATV, ORM & OHV titles/registrations. We also sell hunting and fishing licenses, along with deer and turkey tags. For more information, go to www.iowadnr.gov for all your hunting/fishing questions and/or season dates etc.
What do I bring to transfer a Boat/Atv/Snowmobile or OHV to your office?
Go to our “Recreational Vehicles” tab and read what is necessary or call our office at 641-324-2734 and we will be happy to explain what paperwork is needed to complete your transaction.
How do I get a landowner deer/turkey tag?
Go to the Recorder’s office or purchase online at the Iowa DNR website.
What are the hunting season dates for pheasants, etc.?
Visit the Iowa DNR website for hunting season dates.
What do I have to do if I bought a Boat/ATV/Snowmobile or ORV and I want to put it in my name?
Visit the recorder's office or see our forms on our Recreational Vehicles page
Death & Marriage Records
How can we obtain a certified copy of death & marriage records?
Please use the Vital Record Application for Certified Copy and complete the form and call our office at 641-324-2734, and we will assist you in the proper steps to complete the process either by mail or coming to our office.
General Information
What are your hours of business?
General office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday via telephone or email.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Recording Documents: Cash, Checks or Money Orders or credit/debit card when in person
DNR transactions: Credit Cards, Cash, Checks or Money Orders
Vital Records: Cash, Checks, or Money Orders or credit/debit card when in person
What are the recording fees for a document?
Visit our recording fees page to view document recording fees.
Do you have property abstracts on file?
No. Abstracts are not filed in our office.
Does your office handle Divorce Records?
No. The Worth County Clerk of Court can help you with divorce records. You may contact them at 641-324-2840.
How do I add or take somebody off the title of my property?
You can file a deed in our office. We do not have blank forms available in our office. Many people have a lawyer create one, all documents recorded must meet our Iowa Document Formatting Standards.
Is there a survey filed on my property?
Please contact our office 641-324-2734, and we will be happy to look it up for you or email us at [email protected] with your information and we will be in touch.
How do I get a copy of my deed to my property?
You can call our office 641-324-2734 and we will be happy to look that up for you or email us at [email protected] with your information and we will be in touch.
How much for Transfer Tax?
Please see our Transfer Tax Calculator.
What are the other forms that may be needed with the transferring document?
Declaration of Value and a Groundwater Hazard Statement may be needed. You can find these forms in the Recorder Forms.
Where do I find out the recording information for my mortgage or if the release of the mortgage has been filed?
Contact the recorder’s office or email us with your names, dates, bank information etc to have us do a search, but keep in mind we do not guarantee that we have caught everything. If you want a complete search contact the Abstract Company and they will help you out for a nominal fee.
How do I electronically file my new recording documents?
Please visit the Iowa Land Records website.
Can I mail in a new document(s) for recording?
Yes, you can mail in a new document(s) with proper recording payment, feel free to call us at 641-324-2734 and confirm fees before mailing document(s) to our office.
How do I find out if my mortgage has been released?
Call our office 641-324-2734 and we can do a search in our local system. But keep in mind we do not guarantee that we have caught everything, you would have to contact the Worth County Abstract Office 641-324-1761 and they can guarantee their searches.
Who can get a copy of a Military Record?
Veterans and next-of-kin of deceased veterans have full access to the record. Next-of-kin includes the un-remarried widow or widower, son or daughter, father or mother, brother or sister of the deceased veteran.
If you are entitled, please complete the Application for Certified Copy or Photocopy of Military Record form and bring it to our office. We will be happy to complete your record request if entitled to the DD214.
For more information, please contact our Veteran’s Affairs Department at 641-828-2201.
Marriage License
Can a marriage license be applied for in Worth County if the marriage ceremony is to take place in a different county?
Yes, the license is valid in any county in the state of Iowa. It is not valid outside of Iowa. Contact the Recorder’s Office at 641-324-2734 or feel free to email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help you with any questions and send out the necessary forms.
Can we change our names through marriage?
Yes. In fact, a marriage provides the opportunity to legally change your name. Because of this, it is important to complete the application correctly and in full. Do not use initials or nick names unless you wish them to become your legal name.
Do we need a blood test to get married?
No.
How and where do I apply for a marriage license?
Contact the Recorder's Office at 641-324-2734 or feel free to email us at [email protected] and we will be happy to help you with any questions.
What is the legal waiting period for remarrying after a divorce?
None. A marriage can take place at any time once a divorce is final. However, you may not apply for the marriage license until the divorce is final.
Who is legally able to perform a marriage ceremony in the state of Iowa?
A leader of a religious institution or an Associate District or District Judge. The fees and availability for each Judge may vary. Please view this list of judges that perform marriages in Worth County or call our office at 641-324-2734 and we can assist you.
Officiants can view this state form for more information.
Sheriff
911
What happens when you call 9-1-1?
Worth County 911 Operators are trained to ask questions so we can gather information and get you assistance as quickly as possible. Please do not hang up until the 911 operator tells you it is ok to hang up. Some of the questions they will be asking you are the following:
- What is the address of your emergency?
- What is your phone number?
- What is your name and address if different than the emergency address?
- What is your emergency?
While the 911 operator is asking the above questions, they will be entering your information into a Computer Aided Dispatch System (CAD) and dispatching appropriate units to the location of the emergency. By answering the 911 operator's questions, you will help the responding agencies be prepared to assist you more effectively. Please remember while you are on 911 to listen to the 911 operator and do what he/she tells you to so they can gather the information as quickly as possible so they can dispatch out the appropriate responders.
Can I send a text to 9-1-1?
Texting to 9-1-1 is available in Worth County but remember texting should only be used when you are unable to make a voice call to 9-1-1. Text calls, contrary to some beliefs, are not faster than voice calls.
How do I text 9-1-1 in an emergency?
- Enter the numbers 9-1-1 in the "To" field;
- The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief and contain the location of the emergency and type of help needed;
- Push the "Send" button
- Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 dispatcher.
- Text in simple words- do not use abbreviations or slang.
- Keep text messages brief and concise.
- Remember to silence your phone if you are in a situation such as a break in and don't want the intruder to hear you when you are receiving incoming notifications
- Photos and video cannot be sent by text to 9-1-1 at this time.
- Text location information is not equal to current location technology.
- 9-1-1 voice calls are a higher priority than a text to 9-1-1 and can take longer to receive and multiple text can get out of sequence order or may not be received at all.
- Be aware that texting 9-1-1 may be temporarily unavailable at times, or your cell signal may be picked up by a tower in another county that may or may not have text to 9-1-1. If text to 9-1-1 is not available in another county you will receive a message stating this and you will be instructed to contact 9-1-1 by other means.
- Text to 9-1-1 cannot be sent as a group message. Do not attempt to send a text to anyone else at the same time you text to 9-1-1.
- Do not text and drive
What do you do if you accidentally call 9-1-1?
If you accidentally call 9-1-1, please do not hang up before the 911 operator answers the phone. Your call will still come up on the 911 system even if you hang up. If you hang up, the 911 operator will still need to call you back, which takes more time away from their other duties.
Who is responsible for 911 address signs?
It is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure their 911 address sign(s) is visible from the road. Please make sure to keep all vegetation and growth cleared away from the sign so they don't block the sign. This would include such things as cutting down weeds and keeping tree limbs from blocking the visibility of the sign in all directions as seen from the road by emergency responders.
If your 911 address sign is damaged and needs to be replaced or if it needs to be moved please do not do it yourself but instead fill out our 911 address marker request form.
Civil
How do I make a civil payment or bail bond payment?
Please visit GovPayNow.com.
How to have someone committed?
Please visit the Iowa Courts website for more information about starting an involuntary commitment proceeding.
Jail
Can I call or leave a message for an inmate?
The Worth County Jail will not take incoming calls from friends or family for an inmate. The Worth County Jail will not relay messages from friends or family to an inmate.
Exceptions may be made in emergency situations only. This will be at the jailer's discretion.
How and when do I check-in for probation?
Probation check-ins must be done on the 1st and 15th of every month. Call 641-324-2481 and advise them of your name and that you are calling in for probation. When leaving a message, leave your full name and any changes if your status.
How do I get an inmate out of jail with bail?
To get an inmate out of jail prior to final court disposition you can utilize either of three methods.
- PostCash Bond
- Post Cash/Surety
- Post Bond through a Bonding Agency
Cash Bond
To post a cash bond, first verify with the Jail the amount of bond by calling 641-324-2481.
During regular business hours take the cash and go to the Worth County Sheriff’s Office, and present the cash to the Clerk or the Jailer. A certificate will be given to you verifying the bond is paid. After regular business hours, you can still bring the correct cash amount directly to the Worth County Sheriff's Office.
Bonding Agency
To post bond utilizing a bonding agency, you need to contact one of the various agencies in the area. The phone numbers for the agencies can be found in the phone book. The bonding agencies will work with you and come up with the terms and conditions of posting bond for an inmate's release. The bonding agencies are completely separate from the Worth County Sheriff's Office, and the Sheriff's Office does not recommend or discredit any bonding agency.
