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1. What is market value?

The market value of a property is an estimate of the price that it would sell for on the open market on January First of the year of assessment. This is sometimes referred to as the "arms-length transaction" or "willing buyer/willing seller" concept.

2. How does the assessor estimate market value?

To estimate the market value of your property, the Assessor generally uses three approaches. The first approach is to find 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 the residential property.

Cost Approach

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 building(s) with a similar one(s). In the event the building(s) is not new appropriate amounts for depreciation and obsolescence would be deducted from replacement value. The value of the land would then be added to arrive at the total estimate of value.

Income Approach

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 market trends in the area of the property being appraised since errors or inaccurate information can seriously affect the final estimate of value.

3. Why do values change?

State 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 your assessment. If you disagree with the assessor’s estimate of value please consider the following two questions before proceeding:

• 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 feel free to come in and discuss them with the assessor.

Written Protest

You may file a written protest with the Board of Review, which is composed of three or five members from various areas of the assessing jurisdiction. The Board operates independently of the assessor’s office and has the power to confirm any assessment or to adjust it either upward or downward.

Appealing the Decision

If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Board of Review you may appeal to the district court within twenty days after adjournment of said Board, or twenty days after May 31st, whichever is the latest.

4. What's the difference between Assessed Value and Taxable Value

The assessed value of all properties is based on current market value with the exception of agricultural classed parcels. The values are based on current sales data as well as site visits when applicable. This value is determined in the Assessor’s office.

The taxable value of a property is the percentage of the assessed value that will carry a tax burden. The Iowa Director of Revenue and Finance determines the "rollback" percentage for each class of property annually. The rollback percentage is the same for every jurisdiction within the state. This value is calculated in the Auditor’s office.

5. How are agricultural properties assessed?

Agricultural properties, except agricultural dwellings, are assessed on the basis of productivity and net earning capacity using a five-year crop average and capitalized at the rate set by the Legislature.

6. When are State Equalization Orders issued?

Tentative and final equalization orders are issued by the Director of Revenue and Finance in odd-numbered years on or about August 15th, and October 1st respectively. The orders are sent to the various county auditors who apply them to the classes of property affected if any.

7. How do I protest my valuation?

Taxpayers that do not agree with the assessed valuation of their property have the right to protest that value of the current year’s assessment to the Local Board of Review.

A protest petition must be completed and filed with the Assessor’s office between April 2nd and April 30th of the assessment year being challenged. 

The Local Board of Review Organizational Meeting is on the first weekday of May. At this time, they will schedule the hearings for all protests that have been received timely. 

An informal hearing with the Mills County Assessor is also an option available. These hearings can be scheduled with the Assessor within the month of April. If an agreement is not reached by the Assessor and the taxpayer, the taxpayer still has the ability to petition the Board. 

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1. Can I vote by mail?

Yes registered voters may request an absentee ballot to be sent to them by mail. You must complete an absentee ballot request form and return the original, signed form to your county auditor. The request form does not need to be witnessed or notarized.

Learn more about absentee voting here.

2. Where can I view past election results?

View an archive of past election results here.

3. Who are the elected officials in Mills County?

View the list of elected officials in Mills County and when their terms expire here.

4. Do voters have to show ID at the polls?

Iowa voters are required to show an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator ID, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID or veteran’s ID, tribal ID/document or Iowa voter ID card at the polls before they vote. A voter without one of the listed forms of ID may have the voter’s identity attested to by another registered voter in the precinct or may prove identity and residence using Election Day Registration documents. Voters without the necessary ID or an attester will be offered a provisional ballot and can provide ID up until the time of the county canvass of votes (Monday after election day for Primary and General Elections).

5. Where do I vote?

Use this address lookup tool to find your precinct and polling place. 

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1. How do I get a message to an inmate in your facility?

Most inmates have daily access to telephones in their housing units. Inmates cannot receive incoming telephone calls and no messages for inmates will be taken by Detention staff unless it is a verifiable emergency. After the booking process, all telephone calls by inmates are financial responsibility of the receiver or the inmate. Inmate’s will also have access to a texting device and video calls upon requesting this item.  In order to leave a short voicemail for inmates you can call 712-800-0887.

To put money on an inmate’s account for money or commissary items, you can go to www.jailatm.com If wanting to buy phone cards, buy a collect call account or put money on a texting device, you can go to www.reliancetelephone.com.

2. Can I write a letter or send items to an inmate?

Letters mailed to inmates must contain the inmate’s full name as part of the address. The jail will not accept certain items through the mail. Restricted items include packages, obscene or pornographic materials, personal checks, cashier’s check, postage stamps or stamped envelopes, any type of food, or periodicals not directly sent from the publisher. All mail needs to be in black ink, or the mail could be denied and placed in the inmate’s property. Any cards will be copied, and the original will be placed in the inmate’s property. Mail should be addressed in the following manner:

INMATE’S NAME

Mills County Jail

600 Industrial Rd.

Glenwood, IA 51534

3. How can I visit an inmate?

The Mills County Jail encourages inmates to maintain ties with their families and friends through regular visits. These visits are conducted in the least restrictive manner possible to remain consistent with safety and security concerns, classification requirements, and space availability. The Mills County Jail utilizes a video visitation system for regular visits.

Professional Visitation

Professional visitation is recognized as a visitor from a legal or medical entity, such as the courts, mental health, or law enforcement. Inmates have the right to confidential visits with the following persons acting in their official capacity during any time of day, 7 days a week; attorneys or authorized members of their staff, clergy who are cleared by the jail, mental health professionals who are cleared by jail, personal physicians or psychiatrists, law enforcement officers, probation and parole officers, or social workers. It is encouraged to set professional visits up in advance by contacting the Jail Administration.

Regular Visitation

Visitation will be on Thursday’s every week unless it lands on a holiday then could be the day before or the day after. If you are planning to visit an inmate you will need to call before the Thursday of the visit to set up a time or there is a chance you will not get to visit. Visits are 15 minutes and visitors must be approved by jail administration before they are able to visit. Inmates on certain types of disciplinary restriction may not be permitted visitors. Visitors may only visit one inmate per day. Visitors my not switch their designated visitation booth with another visitor so that they may communicate with multiple inmates during one visitation session. A minor child may visit if accompanied by an adult and approved by Jail admin.  

4. What are the rules regarding visitation?

Visitation Rules

ALL persons entering the premises are subject to search. All children must have adult supervision at all times. ALL intoxicated individuals or those appearing to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be permitted to remain on the premises. NO food or drinks. NO disruptive behavior.

Dress Code

All dress must be conservative in nature. NO see through clothing (lace, sheer etc.), NO low cut shirts, blouses or t-shirts. NO short or cut off shirts, NO short splits (skirts, slacks or shirts), NO belly or midriff shirts, NO clothing with vulgarity, profanity or racial slurs.

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1. Who should I call if I have questions about anthrax?

Call the Mills County Public Health Department at 712-527-9699.

2. Who should I call if I receive a suspicious letter or package?

Your local police department.

3. Who should I call if I believe I have been exposed to anthrax?

The Mills County Public Health Department and your physician.

4. What should I keep in mind as I open my mail?

Here are some things to consider when deciding if a package or letter is suspicious:

• Addressed to title only or incorrect title used
• Badly typed or handwritten
• Excessive tape or string
• Lopsided, uneven, rigid, or bulky
• Misspelled words
• No return address or restrictive markings
• Oily, discolored, crystallization on the wrapper
• Possibly from a foreign country or excessive postage
• Protruding wires
• Strange odor

Source

• Federal Bureau of Investigation

5. What should I do if I receive a suspicious letter or package?

• Put the package or letter down, and do not further disturb it to prevent making potentially infectious aerosols.
• Do not open, taste, sniff, shake, or otherwise disturb.
• Place it inside a plastic bag if possible.
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Seal the area off from further traffic.
• Contact the local police department to describe the object of concern.

6. What will law enforcement do?

Local law enforcement personnel will decide if the threat is credible and take appropriate action.

7. What happens if there has been an exposure?

The Iowa Department of Public Health will contact the Mills County Public Health Department for further follow-up.

8. Does my doctor know how to recognize anthrax?

All physicians in Mills County have been provided with information in order to identify the symptoms and signs of the different types of anthrax. If you are concerned about any symptoms you are experiencing, contact your doctor and he/she can evaluate you.

9. Should I take antibiotics to prevent getting anthrax?

If you have not been exposed, there is no need to take antibiotics in order to prevent anthrax. Antibiotics may have side effects, and the overuse of antibiotics can lead to resistant bacteria.

10. Can a person get screened or tested for anthrax?

There is no test available that is useful to assess exposure to anthrax. If exposure were to occur, public health officials will investigate and inform people whether they have been exposed and if they need antibiotics. The blood tests or nasal swabs that you read or hear about are not useful to determine whether an individual should be treated with antibiotics. They are used only to determine the extent of exposure in a given situation.

11. There is a lot of talk about our food supply being targeted by terrorists. Is there anything that I can do to keep the food I am eating safe?

The following are steps to prevent food-borne illnesses, including gastrointestinal anthrax. These steps should be taken regardless of any bioterrorism threat. Precautions beyond these are not required. The steps are:

• Chill - Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food, and leftovers within two hours and make sure the refrigerator is set at no higher than 40°F and that the freezer unit is set at 0°F.
• Clean - Wash hands, utensils, and surfaces with hot, soapy water before and after food preparations. Uncooked foods such as fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before eating.
• Cook - Foods must be heated at a high enough temperature and long enough to kill harmful bacteria. A shortlist of proper cooking temperatures are roast and steaks to 145°F, ground beef to 155°F, pork to 155°F, poultry to 165°F, and any stuffed meat to 165°F. Leftovers should be reheated to 165°F.
• Separate - Keep raw meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood, and their juices away from ready-to-eat foods; never place cooked food on a plate that previously held raw meat or poultry, uncooked eggs, or seafood. Make sure to clean all cutting surfaces, utensils, and dishes with hot, soapy water before preparing additional food items.

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1. How do I apply for a permit to carry weapons?

• Must be 21 and a resident of Iowa;
• An Application for Iowa Permit to Carry must be filled out. This can be found on our site.
• TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
  • Handgun safety training course utilizing an instructor certified by a state law enforcement agency;
  • Handgun safety training course utilizing an instructor certified by the National Rifle Association;
  • Completion of a hunter education program approved by the Natural Resource Commission, if handgun safety training is noted on the certificate of completion;
  • Armed forces small arms training (for those released or retired from Active Duty) - requires documentation of honorable discharge OR general discharge under honorable conditions (DD-214, DD-256, NGB-22, or similar);
  • Armed forces small arms training (for those on Active Duty) - requires certificate of completion of basic training or similar;
  • Handgun safety training course for security guards, investigators, or special deputies, if such course has been approved by the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
  • TRAINING EXEMPTION - Documentation that applicant holds or held an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons issued on or after 01/01/2011;
• Applicant must apply in county you reside in;
• Applicant must have driver’s license or ID with applicant’s current address on it;
• $50.00 Payment must be made at time of application;
• There is an approximate 2 week waiting period;
• Permit is good for 5 years.
• This is a uniform card that will be issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This card will be mailed directly to the mailing address provided by the applicant.

2. How do I apply for a permit to acquire a pistol or revolver?

• Must be 21 and a resident of Iowa;
• An application for Iowa permit to acquire a pistol or revolver must be completed;
• There is no training required;
• Applicant must apply in county you reside in;
• $ 25.00 Payment must be made at time of application;
• Applicant must have driver’s license or ID with applicant’s current address on it;
• There is an approximate 2 week waiting period;
• Permit is good for 5 years.
• This is a uniform card that will be issued by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This card will be mailed directly to the mailing address provided by the applicant.

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1. How do I receive assistance from the Mills County Veterans Affairs office?

Assistance is available on a one-time basis for those eligible veterans. We can help with heating, electricity, water assistance. We do not help with deposits for rentals or home mortgage payments. Please call us for an appointment to see if we can help you at 712-527-5621.

2. How do I receive a copy of my DD 214/discharge paperwork, service records, and/or medals?

Visit our Discharge Paperwork page to learn more.

3. What is the process to have “Veteran” put on my driver’s license or to order veteran plates?

Veterans are asked to go to the Mills County Treasurer with a copy of their DD214 to apply.

4. How do I apply for the Military Property Tax Exemption? What is I am 100% disabled?

Your DD 214 must be recorded at the Mills County Recorder’s Office. After you have recorded your DD 214, please contact the Assessor’s Office to make an appointment with them. All eligible veterans may receive $1,852 off the assessed value of their primary residence. If a veteran is married to another eligible veteran, both veterans may apply this benefit to their primary residence. Any veteran who is service-connected, rated at 100% by the Veterans Affairs office will pay no taxes on their home.

5. What makes a veteran eligible for the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital or the CBOCs?

Veterans are eligible by:

• Active Duty service
• Being awarded a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher from Veterans Affairs
• Meeting income guidelines