Public Announcements

Public Announcements


Notice of Public Hearing - Proposed Property Tax Levy

Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
County Name: WEBSTER COUNTY County Number: 94

The County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year County budget as follows:
Meeting Date: 3/26/2024   Meeting Time: 9:00 AM   Meeting Location: Webster County Courthouse 701 Central Avenue Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Contact Phone Number: (515) 573-7175


Notice to Bidders - Farm Ground Rental
Printable Notice to Bidders - Farm Ground Rental

FARM GROUND RENTAL - NOTICE TO BIDDERS
The Webster County Board of Supervisors are accepting bid proposals for Farm Ground
Rental located approximately in the:
     a. The West Half (W½) of the Southeast Quarter (SE¼) except Railroad
Right-of-Way, of Section No. Twenty (20), in Township No. Eighty-
Nine (89), North of Range No. Twenty-nine (29), West of the 5th P.M.,
Webster County, Iowa, AND
     b. The East Half (E½) of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Twenty
(20) and the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter (NW¼ NW¼)
of Section Twenty-one, all in Township Eighty-nine (89) North, Range
Twenty-nine (29) West of the 5th P.M., Webster County, Iowa, with
exceptions, AND
     c. The West Half (W½) of the Northeast Quarter (NE¼) of Section Twenty
(20), all in Township Eighty-nine (89) North, Range Twenty-nine (29)
West of the 5th P.M., Webster County, Iowa with exceptions.
Total 265 Acres m/l, for a complete description contact the Auditor’s
Office.

Terms 1 year contract, payments due March 1, 2024, submit bids by Dollar/Acre must
include Name, Address and Phone Number. All bid proposals are to be submitted in a
sealed envelope to: Webster County Auditor’s Office.

NOTE AUDITOR OFFICE ADDRESS LOCATION CHANGES:
November 23-29, 2023, located at Webster County Courthouse 701 Central, Fort Dodge,
IA 50501. Use this address to mail in RFP.
November 30-January 4th, 2024, located at the Bank Building, Basement Floor, 723 1st
Ave. S, Fort Dodge
All RFP’s must be received before 4:00 p.m., December. 4th. Bid proposals will be
opened during the Regular Session of the Board of Supervisors meeting on December 5,
2023, at 10:00 a.m. in the Dayton Community Building, Dayton, IA. The Board reserves
the right to reject any and all bids. Contact the Auditor’s office at (515)573-7175 if you
have any questions.

Doreen Pliner
Webster County Auditor

Notice of Public Hearing - January 9, 2024

You are hereby notified pursuant to Iowa Code Sections 422D.1(2a.) that on the 9th day of January, 2024 a public hearing shall be held at the Board Room of the Webster County Supervisors at 701 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, IA, to wit:

CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION DECLARING EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES IN WEBSTER COUNTY TO BE AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE.

You are further notified that there will be a public hearing for the Webster County Board of Supervisors to consider and vote upon the first of three required meetings whether or not to pass a resolution to declare emergency medical services to be an essential service in Webster County and to coordinate such efforts with the local emergency medical services agencies to establish a county emergency medical services system advisory council to make any recommendations under Iowa Code Chapter 422D, Optional Taxes for Emergency Medical Services for funding of one or more taxes, specifically (1) a local option income surtax and /or (2) an ad valorem property tax, or (3) both to be specified and placed on the ballot for approval at a special election. 

Doreen Pliner
Webster County Auditor 


Notice of Public Hearing - Proposed Budget
The County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year County budget
April 11, 2023  10:00 am
Webster County Courthouse Boardroom
701 Central Ave
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
View Complete Notice of Public Hearing
View Exceed General Basic


March 15, 2023

ASSESSMENT NOTICES TO BE MAILED

The Webster County Assessor’s office plans to mail the 2023 property assessment notices to property owners around the week of March 27th.

The notices are intended to inform the property owners of the estimated market value of their property. The values should not be confused with taxable value or the tax bill.

If you disagree with your property’s assessment, start by asking yourself a couple of questions:

  1. What are similar properties selling for in your area?
  2. How does the value compare to similar properties in your area?
  3. What would you expect to list or sell your house for today?

Property owners are encouraged to do further research on their property’s market value by visiting beacon.scheidercorp.com and clicking on Property Search under Webster County, Iowa.  This website offers comparable sales search and sale price information.  You can also find sale lists on our county website at www.webstercountyia.gov.

If you still disagree with the assessments after considering the questions above, there are two options to appeal.  You can start with an informal review April 2nd thru April 25th by contacting our office or you may file a petition with the Board of Review April 2nd thru April 30th.

If you have further questions or wish to schedule an informal review, please call our office at 515-576-4721, on or after April 2nd.  Our office hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Friday.

Respectfully,
Angela R. Vinson
Webster County Assessor



February 28, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING -PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX LEVY
Fiscal Year July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024
County Name: WEBSTER COUNTY County Number: 94
The County Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year County budget as follows:
Meeting Date: 2/28/2023 Meeting Time: 10:00 AM Meeting Location: Webster County Courthouse 701 Central Avenue Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Contact Person: Jennifer Sheda Contact Phone Number: (515) 227-7157

Printable Copy of Notice of Public Hearing


 January, 2023

Webster County Courthouse HVAC Retrofit 

SECTION 00 11 14 - NOTICE OF HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

To Whom It May Concern:
Webster County shall hold a public hearing on the proposed plans , specifications, proposed form of contract and the estimated cost of said improvements. At said hearing any interested person may appear and file objections to the proposed plans, specifications, form of contact or estimated cost of said improvements.
Project Identification: Webster County Courthouse HVAC Retrofit #2218B
Project Location: 701 Central Avenue, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Hearing Date/Time: Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Hearing to take place at the Board of
Supervisors meeting scheduled to begin at 10:00 am
Hearing Location: Webster County Courthouse
County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room – 2nd Floor
701 Central Avenue
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Published upon order of Webster County.
END OF SECTION 00 11 14

Printable Copy of Notice of Hearing

Printable Copy of Advertisement for Bids

January 25, 2023

Notice of Hearing and Notice to Bidders

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, FORM OF CONTRACT, ESTIMATE OF COST, AND THE TAKING OF BIDS FOR THE 2022 LIFT STATION and FORCE MAIN, SAVAGE SANITARY  DISTRICT WEBSTER COUNTY, IA.

Printable Copy


December 16, 2021 Press Release from Sheriff Luke Fleener

Printable Copy


Engineer Road Department Final Public Notice | Engineer Notice 5-25-2021Assessment Notices to be Mailed  | Health Dept Press Release 3-1-2021   Health Dept Press Release 2-15-2021  Health Dept Press Release 2-8-2021 |Treasurer Update 7-27-2020 | Conservation Facilities Update 5-20-2020 |  Updates to Absentee Voting 5-18-2020 | Webster County Campgrounds Opening May 15th  | Vote Safe Iowa Press Release 4-22-2020 | Assessed Value Appeal Dates Extended 4-6-2020 | Conservation COVID19 Press Release 4-1-2020 | Assessment Notices to be Mailed  | Public Hearing (Proposal to Adopt 2020 Ordinances)

Webster County Road Department Final Public Notice

Printable Copy

Webster County Secondary Road Department has applied for Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance (PA) Program funding through Iowa’s Homeland Security
and Emergency Management Division (IHSEMD) as a sub- recipient.

Webster County Road Department Notice 5-25-2021
Printable Copy

Webster County plans to complete a streambank repair project during the 2021 construction season.  The project will entail repairing an embankment slide of the Des Moines River streambank along Riverside Trail south of US Highway 20.  This is located in Section 17 of Otho Township.  Further information can be obtained from the Webster County Engineer’s Office.

 



ASSESSMENT NOTICES TO BE MAILED
Printable Copy

The Webster County Assessor’s office plans to mail the 2021 property assessment notices to property owners on or before April 1st, 2021.

The notices are intended to inform the property owners of the estimated market value of their property. The values should not be confused with taxable value or the tax bill.

Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. of Cedar Rapids was awarded the contract to reappraise all Commercial & Industrial Classes of property in the county in February, 2016. Company representatives have measured and attempted to inspect all property over the last two years. A sales analysis and a review of the information collected were conducted before the values were finalized.

Property owners will have an opportunity to meet with a representative of Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. beginning April 19th. These meetings are an opportunity for the property owner to submit any information which may affect the estimate of market value of their property. Property owners who wish to meet with a representative of Vanguard must request an appointment prior to April 16th by calling the county assessor’s office at 515-576-4721.

The last complete reappraisal of these properties was completed for the January 1, 2000 assessment date. The current reappraisal was conducted to equalize assessed values since not all properties have decreased or increased at the same rate since 2000. Company representative will not adjust the assessed values if the property owner objects to the new values based solely on the fact that there was an increase in assessed value. Property owners who disagree with the new values should be prepared to state their estimate of market value and present evidence to support that estimate.

Other classes of property can meet with the assessor between April 2nd and April 25th to discuss their values.

Property owners will also have an opportunity to protest the new assessed values to the Board of Review. A written protest must be submitted between April 2nd and April 30th for the Board of Review to consider any adjustment.


March 1, 2021
Printable Press Release - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Thursday March 4

CONTACT:  Kari Prescott
PHONE:  515-573-4107
DATE OF RELEASE:  March 1, 2021

Webster County Health Department to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
If you have an appointment at Hy Vee or Daniel Pharmacy please do not reserve an appointment with the health dept

WHO:  Webster County Seniors AGE 65 and Older, not actively sick or in Public Health isolation
WHEN:  Thursday, March 4th, 4pm – 6pm
WHERE:  Crossroads Mall, 217 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA -Enter on West Side of Mall
HOW: By appointment only

Information required to make an appointment
You will need Name, Address, Date of Birth, and cell phone number preferred, or regular phone number

How to schedule:           Starting: 1pm on Wednesday, March 3, 2021
                                                   * Appointments by telephone only
                 Call 515-227-7104 Calls will not be answered until after 1pm

IMPORTANT Information Day of clinic:

  • Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
  • There will be a 15 minute wait time after you receive your vaccination.
  • Please provide insurance information at the time of your scheduled appointment.
  • Please dress in layers so your arm is accessible.
  • If you can, arrange for someone to drop you off at the front of the mall.
  • PARKING information: Please park in the lot in front of mall entrance on west side. Over flow area will be behind JaMar drive in. 
  • Only persons receiving the shot will be allowed in the clinic.
  • MASKS ARE REQUIRED
  • If you arrive at the mall without an appointment, you will be turned away.

Insurance is NOT required to make an appointment.  If you do not have insurance you will not be turned away.



February 15, 2021
Printable Press Release - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Friday February 19th

CONTACT:  Kari Prescott
PHONE:  515-573-4107
DATE OF RELEASE:  Feb. 15, 2021

Webster County Health Department to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
If you have an appointment at Hy Vee please do not reserve an appointment with the health dept

WHO:  Webster County Seniors AGE 65 and Older, not actively sick or in Public Health isolation
WHEN:  Friday, February 19th   2:30pm – 6pm
WHERE:  Crossroads Mall, 217 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA -Enter on West Side of Mall
HOW: By appointment only

Information required to make an appointment
You will need Name, Address, Date of Birth, and cell phone number preferred, or regular phone number

How to schedule:           Starting: 1pm on Wednesday, February 17, 2021
   Go to the Webster County webpage   www.webstercountyia.gov
                 Click on make a COVID 19 appointment, enter your information
                         OR
                 Call 515-227-7104 Calls will not be answered until after 1pm

IMPORTANT Information Day of clinic:

  • Please arrive at your scheduled time.
  • There will be a 15minute wait time after you receive your vaccination.
  • Please provide insurance information at the time of your scheduled appointment.
  • Please dress in layers so your arm is accessible.
  • If you can, arrange for someone to drop you off at the front of the mall.
  • PARKING information: Please park in the lot in front of mall entrance on west side. Over flow area will be behind JaMar drive in. 
  • Only persons receiving the shot will be allowed in the clinic.
  • MASKS ARE REQUIRED
  • If you arrive at the mall without an appointment, you will be turned away.

Insurance is NOT required to make an appointment.  If you do not have insurance you will not be turned away.

We have a limited amount of vaccine.  If you were unable to make an appointment for this clinic, we will post information about future clinics when we receive more vaccine . 

Please be patient.



February 8, 2021

Printable Press Release - COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Saturday February 13th

CONTACT:  Kari Prescott
PHONE:  515-573-4107
DATE OF RELEASE:  Feb. 8, 2021

Webster County Health Department to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

WHO:  Webster County Seniors AGE 65 and Older, not actively sick or in Public Health isolation
WHEN:  Saturday, February 13th   10am – 1pm
WHERE:  Crossroads Mall, 217 South 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA -Enter on West Side of Mall
HOW: By appointment only

Information required to make an appointment
You will need Name, Address, Date of Birth, and cell phone number preferred, or regular phone number

How to schedule:           Starting: 1pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2021
   Go to the Webster County webpage   www.webstercountyia.gov
                 Click on make a COVID 19 appointment, enter your information
                         OR
                 Call 515-227-7104 Calls will not be answered until after 1pm

IMPORTANT Information Day of clinic:

  • Please arrive at your scheduled time.
  • There will be a 15minute wait time after you receive your vaccination.
  • Please dress in layers so your arm is accessible.
  • If you can, arrange for someone to drop you off at the front of the mall.
  • PARKING information: Please park in the lot in front of mall entrance on west side. Over flow area will be behind JaMar drive in. 
  • Only persons receiving the shot will be allowed in the clinic.
  • MASKS ARE REQUIRED
  • If you arrive at the mall without an appointment, you will be turned away.
  • Please have a copy of your insurance information for the clinic

Insurance is NOT required to make an appointment.  If you do not have insurance you will not be turned away.

We have a limited amount of vaccine.  If you were unable to make an appointment for this clinic, we will post information about future clinics when we receive more vaccine . 

Please be patient.


July 27, 2020
Press Release Treasurer Office Updates  

From: Webster County Treasurer Brenda Angstrom
RE: Governor’s Proclamation

Webster County Treasurer Brenda Angstrom says. “Governor Reynolds’ Proclamation of Disaster Emergency signed on July 24th impacts many of the services provided at the County Treasurer’s Office. 

            The proclamation sections related to property taxes were extended through Friday, July 31, 2020.

            The sections related to driving with expired licenses were extended through August 23, 2020.

            The sections related to motor vehicle renewals and title transfers and temporary plates were not extended and expired on July 25, 2020 at midnight. 

Pay property taxes that were due in March by July 31, 2020 to avoid penalties.  Send checks to Webster County Treasurer; 701 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; pay online www.iowatreasurers.org, or drop in the drop box located in the alley between the Courthouse and the Messenger.

Pay Motor Vehicle renewals by August 31, 2020, if your registration expired in the months of January 2020 through July 31, 2020. .  Send checks to Webster County Treasurer; 701 Central Ave, Fort Dodge, IA 50501; pay online www.iowatreasurers.org, or drop in the drop box located in the alley between the Courthouse and the Messenger.

If you purchased a vehicle between February 13th-March 15th, you vehicle must be transferred as soon as possible to avoid penalties, Call 515-576-4611to get additional information or drop by the office between the hours of 8:00-4:00 a.m.

If you purchased a vehicle between March 16th – July 25th, you must apply for title and registration by August 24th to avoid penalties. 

Angstrom says. “We are open to the public, but because of social distancing health needs we are limited to four people in the office at one time. We are asking people to pay taxes and motor vehicle renewals through our online website, mail, and drop box or by phone, so we can save the in-office visits for our transactions that require face-to-face visits." 

The website for Webster County is https://webstercountyiowa.org. There are links to the Iowa Tax and Tags website, www.IowaTaxAndTags.org, for making property tax and motor vehicle renewals payments. There are also links on the county website in the treasurer tab for motor vehicle forms.\

If you have questions, call the treasurer’s office 515-573-2731 or email the treasurer at bangstrom@webstercountyia.org or treasurer@webstercountyia.org.



Webster County Conservation Facilities Update in Response to COVID-19
May 20, 2020

The Webster County Conservation Board and Staff continue to monitor the current disaster declaration because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and health of our park visitors is our top priority. The Conservation Department has modified the following services in response to the current public health emergency.

In an effort to comply with national, state and local recommendations for “social distancing”, the board has approved a phased-opening process for Webster County campgrounds and facilities.

Campgrounds at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and Gypsum City OHV Park are currently open for self-contained campers with their own restrooms and showers.

Effective May 28th, the Department’s Facilities will be moved to the next level in the phased-opening plan, including:

  • All camping units allowed.
  • Campground restrooms and showers open with elevated sanitation schedule.
  • Restrictions to total number of people at a campsite will follow State guidelines for gatherings and social distancing and will be enforced by the Park Ranger.
  • WCCB Office opens with limitations. Only one person is allowed in the office at any given time. No groups allowed.

Effective June 5th:

  • Overnight facility rentals open with elevated sanitation schedule.
  • Watercraft rentals resume with limitations. Only one person is allowed for pick-up and drop-off.
  • Firewood sales resume.

Restrictions that remain in-place per the Governor’s proclamation:

  • Day-use facility rentals (shelters & lodge) are closed based on State guidelines for gatherings and social distancing and will be enforced by the Park Ranger.
  • Playgrounds remain closed.

Shelter and lodge reservations scheduled in March – June will have the option to re-schedule their event or receive a refund. July rentals are scheduled to occur as planned; however if new restrictions are imposed reservations may need to be modified.

All Department events and programs scheduled through June have been postponed or cancelled. Additional information about summer camps and programs will be posted on the county website and the Department’s Facebook page.

County parks, lakes, trails and wildlife management areas remain open for general use. The Webster County Conservation Board’s mission has always been, and continues to be, encouraging people’s wise use of the outdoors. The recent events have caused an increase in park visits and trail use. We strongly encourage people to get outside for the benefit of their physical, mental and emotional health; however we ask our visitors to follow the CDC recommendations for “social distancing” this includes avoiding group activities and areas that concentrate people, maintain a six-foot distance from others, frequently washing your hands, and if you feel sick stay home. Playgrounds and play equipment should be avoided during this current public health emergency.

We will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC, government leaders and our local public health officials as we respond to this constantly changing situation. If you have questions or need to modify an upcoming reservation please contact us at conservation@webstercountyia.org


WEBSTER COUNTY AUDITOR
UPDATES TO ABSENTEE VOTING - May 18th, 2020

Voter Pre-Registration Deadline

The deadline to pre-register to vote for the primary election is 5 p.m. Friday May 22, 2020. This applies to registration in person (including registration at driver’s license stations or agencies) or by mail. Voters may pre*register online at  sos.state.ia.us  until 11:59 p.m May 22, 2020.

After this date  a person may register to vote at the absentee voting precinct located at the DHS Building, 330 1st Ave. N, Fort Dodge and vote an absentee ballot or register and vote on election day. The process is the same as for registering to vote on election day.

Last Day to request Absentee Ballots by Mail

The deadline to request an absentee ballot to be mailed is 5 p.m. Friday May 22, 2020.  After this date you will be able to vote an Absentee Ballot In-Person at the DHS Building, 330 1st Ave. N, Fort Dodge or vote at your combined polling location.  

If you have received an Absentee Ballot by mail and wish to return them in-person, they can be returned to the Webster County Courthouse Main Lobby - Drop Box at 701 Central Ave., Fort Dodge.  Absentee ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by midnight, June 1st, 2020

If you have any questions feel free to contact the Auditor’s Office at (515)573-7175. 

 



Webster County Campgrounds Opening Friday - May 15th, 2020

The RV sites at John F. Kennedy Memorial Park and Gypsum City OHV Park will open at 8:00 AM on Friday, May 15.

Only campers with self-contained restroom units will be permitted at this time. All modern restrooms, shower houses, shelter, lodges, overnight accommodations and playgrounds will remain closed. The reservation system for sites at Gypsum City is accepting reservations beginning May 15.

County park visitors and campers are expected to maintain proper social distancing (at least 6 feet of separation) and proper hygiene. In keeping with group size restrictions, campsites are to be occupied by the tenants of that site only at all times and no more than six people are to occupy a site at a time.

On Wednesday, May 6, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation allowing campgrounds across the state to open beginning Friday, May 8 "…provided that the campground implements reasonable measures…to ensure social distancing, increased hygiene practices, and other public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 consistent with guidance issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health."

Among other precautions, there will be no firewood sales, canoe/kayak rentals, cabin reservations, or concessions offered at any of the parks. All conservation department buildings, including the Main Office remain closed. Parks, wildlife areas, and trails are open and will remain open as long as visitors are able to maintain proper social distancing.

For more information regarding Webster County Conservation campgrounds, parks, and facilities, call (515)576-4258 or email conservation@webstercountyia.org. Information is also available online at www.webstercountyia.org or on Webster County Conservation’s Facebook page.


Vote Safe Iowa

June 2, 2020 Primary Election:

Webster County Auditor Doreen Pliner would like to encourage everyone to vote Absentee and stay home to help slow the spread of COVID-19.  In the next week the Secretary of State will be mailing out Absentee Request Forms to every registered voter in Webster County and the entire state. Absentee Request Forms can also be found on our Website at www.webstercountyia.org

If you want to receive a ballot by mail, the Absentee Ballot Request Form must be received by the County Auditor’s Office no later than May 22, 5:00 pm.  You must select either the Democratic or the Republican Party to receive a ballot.  This request will be for the June 2, 2020 Primary.  Requests for the November General Election cannot be submitted until July 6. 2020. 

The Auditor’s office is encouraging county voters to vote by mail to be safe.  Please note that Webster County will have only three polling places available for the Primary on June 2, 2020.  In an effort to protect our current precinct election officials, we are using a limited staff; the current plans for polling locations will be located as follows:

Senior High:
Fort Dodge Precincts: 1, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Township Precincts:  Badger, Cooper, Newark, and Colfax-Duncombe

ICCC Gymnasium:
Fort Dodge Precincts: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Township Precincts: Deer Creek-Jackson, Johnson and Douglas

Webster County Fairgrounds:
Township Precincts: Fulton, Elkhorn, Clay-Roland, Gowrie, Lost Grove, Dayton-Burnside, Sumner-Webster-Hardin-Yell, Washington, Otho-Pleasant Valley

 VoteSafeIowa


Assessed Value Appeal Dates Extended

PRESS RELEASE – April 6, 2020

Media Contacts: Dixie Saunders, 319-293-3001
                           President, Iowa State Association of Assessors; and Van Buren County Assess

Subject:     Assessed value appeal dates extended

Iowa Assessors recently mailed assessment rolls to any property owner who had changes to their 2020 assessed valuations. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, an official state order gives property owners who disagree with property values additional time to petition their local board of review. Iowa State Association of Assessors President Dixie Saunders recently notified assessors that the deadline to file an assessment appeal has been extended until June 5th. The regular appeal deadline is April 30th.

The Board of Review is an independent board made up of appointed private citizens who meet for the purpose of hearing protests to assessed values. After reviewing the information provided by the property owner and the assessor’s office, the board acts to either change the assessed value or leave it intact.

Saunders explained, “Current assessed values are effective January 1, 2020. Conditions affecting assessed values after the first of this year will be reflected on the 2021 assessment rolls. Over the coming months, assessors will be monitoring sale prices of properties in their respective jurisdictions. If COVID-19 or other economic conditions affect overall market values, next year’s assessed value will change accordingly.”

Anyone who disagrees with their assessed value has two options available at this time. The first option involves calling the local assessor’s office to request an “Informal Review”.  This year, the deadline is April 27.  The second option is to file a formal appeal with the Board of Review by June 5th. Contact information for assessors and the form titled “Disaster Counties Petition to Local Board of Review” can be accessed at www.Iowa-Assessors.org.

Saunders noted, “While many county offices are closed to the public, most are still effectively conducting business via phone, mail and email. I would encourage people to shelter at home and contact your local assessor with any concerns.”



Conservation COVID-19 Press Release 04-01-2020

Webster County Delays Campground Openings in Response to COVID-19

April 1, 2020

The Webster County Conservation Board and Staff are closely monitoring the current disaster declaration because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety and health of our park visitors is our top priority. The Conservation Department has modified the following services in response to the current public health emergency.

After viewing national, state and local recommendations for “social distancing”, the board has decided to delay the opening of the John F. Kennedy Memorial and Gypsum City Campgrounds from April 15th to at least May 1st. This will include all overnight accommodations in our cabins, tiny houses and yurts. The board will re-evaluate the situation at the end of April to determine the appropriate time to open.

Shelter and lodge reservations scheduled in April will have the option to re-schedule their event or receive a refund. May rentals are scheduled to occur as planned; however if new restrictions are imposed reservations may need to be modified. May renters will have the option to reschedule or apply for a refund.

All Department events and programs scheduled in April have been postponed or cancelled. A revised 2020 calendar of events will be posted in May on the county website and the Department’s Facebook page.

County parks, lakes, trails and wildlife management areas remain open for general use. The Webster County Conservation Board’s mission has always been, and continues to be encouraging people’s wise use of the outdoors. The recent events have caused an increase in park visits and trail use. We strongly encourage people to get outside for the benefit of their physical, mental and emotional health; however we ask our visitors to follow the CDC recommendations for “social distancing” this includes avoiding group activities and areas that concentrate people, maintain a six-foot distance from others, frequently washing your hands and if you feel sick stay home. Playgrounds and play equipment should be avoided during this current public health emergency.

We will continue to follow the recommendations of the CDC, government leaders and our local public health officials as we respond to this constantly changing situation. The Conservation Office will remain closed for walk-in traffic until further notice; however if you have questions or need to modify an upcoming reservation please contact us at conservation@webstercountyia.org 


ASSESSMENT NOTICES TO BE MAILED 

The Webster County Assessor’s office plans to mail the 2020 property assessment notices to property owners around the week of March 23rd. 

The notices are intended to inform the property owners of the estimated market value of their property. The values should not be confused with taxable value or the tax bill. 

Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. of Cedar Rapids was awarded the contract to reappraise all Urban Residential property in the county in 2016. Company representatives have measured and attempted to inspect all property over the last two years. A sales analysis and a review of the information collected were conducted before the values were finalized. 

Property owners will have an opportunity to meet with a representative of Vanguard Appraisals, Inc. beginning April 13th. These meetings are an opportunity for the property owner to submit any information which may affect the estimate of market value of their property. Property owners who wish to meet with a representative of Vanguard must request an appointment prior to April 10th, by calling the county assessor’s office at (515) 576-4721. 

The last complete reappraisal of these properties was completed for the January 1, 1997 assessment date. The current reappraisal was conducted to equalize assessed values since not all properties have decreased or increased at the same rate since 1997. Company representative will not adjust the assessed values if the property owner objects to the new values based solely on the fact that there was an increase in assessed value. Property owners who disagree with the new values should be prepared to state their estimate of market value and present evidence to support that estimate. 

Property owners will also have an opportunity to protest the new assessed values to the Board of Review. A written protest must be submitted between April 2nd and April 30th for the Board of Review to consider any adjustment. 


Public Hearing (Proposal to Adopt 2020 Ordinances)

PUBLIC NOTICE 

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors of the Webster County, Iowa will conduct a public hearing on the proposal to adopt the Webster County Code of Ordinances of 2020. A copy of said codified ordinances is now on file at the office of the County Auditor and available for public inspection Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m... Said hearing will be held at 10:00 a.m., April 14, 2020 in the Board of Supervisors Room, Webster County Courthouse, 701 Central Ave., Fort Dodge, Iowa, at which time arguments for or against adopting said code as proposed will be heard and considered.

The County code contains new material summarized as follows:

          NEW: 

  • General Provisions Chapter (definitions, grammatical interpretation, prohibited acts, construction, catchlines, rights of entry)
  • Penalty (general penalty civil penalty-county infraction) 

          UPDATED: 

  • Area Service System C Road Maintenance (definitions, how established, access, signs, trespass, reclassification, powers of the board, exemption from liability)
  • Area Service “B” Road Maintenance (definitions, powers of the board, authority to establish, evaluation of requests, notice and hearing, system B road service system established, maintenance policy, exemption from liability)
  • Flood Plain Ordinance (statutory authority, findings and purpose; general provisions, standards for flood plain development, special floodway provisions. Administration, nonconforming uses, penalties for violation, definitions)