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1. How do I apply to be on a City of Marshalltown Board or Commission?

Boards and commissions are a necessary and vital part of a local government’s operations.  Some are created to meet the ongoing needs of the community and continue to exist for as long as they provide assistance to the Council, while others are mandated by state law.  The structure, duties, and responsibilities of these bodies vary depending on each board or commission’s specific purpose or mission.  However, all have one feature in common—they were established to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Marshalltown.  Thus, by serving on one of these bodies, residents have an opportunity to join with local government and administrative staff to ensure that the needs of Marshalltown citizens are served.

Click here to navigate to the online form to submit your application to Volunteer for a Board or Commission.

Applications will be held on file for one year to be considered for vacancies.  The Mayor will review applications for appointments, which are ratified by the City Council.  For more information on boards and commissions visit this page.

2. What is the population of Marshalltown?

The 2020 U.S. Census indicated Marshalltown had 27,591 residents. More information can be found on the U.S. Census Bureau's website.

3. How does the City of Marshalltown set utility rates? What are the rates?

The City Council sets utility rates by Ordinance. Utility rate ordinances require a public hearing and three readings of the ordinance.

Utility rates are periodically reviewed by the council to ensure revenues pay the cost of providing the utility.

For specific rate information: 

Wastewater Rates Ordinance

Storm Water Rates Ordinance

Landfill/Solid Waste Ordinance

Water rates - Set by the Water Works Board of the Marshalltown Water Works 641-753-7913

Marshalltown Water Works performs the utility billing service for the City of Marshalltown. You'll receive one bill for Water, Sanitary, Storm, and Landfill charges.

Alliant Energy is the Electric and Gas provider. 

4. How do I make a request for information?

Each department has a "contact" link on the department home page for general questions.  To make a Freedom of Information Act for public records please visit this page for more information or to complete the online form.  Please contact the City Clerk with any questions at 641-754-5701 or clerk@marshalltown-ia.gov. 

5. Does the City offer any tax incentives for rehabilitation or new construction of residential homes?

Yes. The City allows tax abatement on qualifying residential improvements and there is no dollar limit. Qualifying property must meet the following criteria:

• The improvements made to the property are believed to have increased its actual value by at least 10%, excluding the land valuation.
• All improvements have been made in compliance with all applicable laws, codes and ordinances
• There has not been, and there will not be a need for the relocation of persons, including families, business concerns, or others as a result of the improvements made to the property.
• The application is received on or before February 1st of the year in which the improvements included in the project are to be first assessed for taxation.

Tax Abatement program freezes the assessed valuation prior to the eligible improvement during the Tax Abatement period for the parcel.

For more information about this topic, see our Tax Abatement application or click here for a full-page explanation

View the map of the City's Revitalization Areas and Urban Renewal Areas.

The City is also partnering with the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce on a housing incentive of $10,000 for newly constructed homes with a construction value of at least $180,000 at the time of closing.  This program cannot be used in conjunction with tax abatement.  Please visit their website for more information. 

6. How do I apply for a neighborhood block party permit?

A permit is required for the use of public property.  There is an online application to complete the request.  Special Events would include neighborhood block parties, 5K runs, parades, and community events that utilize public property.  You may upload your event flyer, map screenshot for street closures, etc., within the online application form. There is a cost for events requiring street closures.  Following staff review of the application, you will receive approval by email. Larger events and 5K runs do require an insurance certificate for the event listing the City of Marshalltown as additional insured for your event. Neighborhood block parties do not need an insurance certificate.  For more information and the online application please visit this page.

7. How do I arrange for garbage service?

Marshalltown residents may contract with a private service.  The city requires a license for garbage haulers. The current list of licensed haulers can be found here.  More information on garbage and recycling regulations can be found in the Code of Ordinances Chapter 50: Garbage and Refuse.