Municipal property taxes in Iowa are levied primarily based on the assessed worth of actual property inside every metropolis’s limits. These charges are expressed in mills, which characterize {dollars} of tax per $1,000 of assessed worth. Variances between municipalities replicate variations in native budgets, service ranges, and property values. As an example, a metropolis with a better mill price might not essentially have larger precise taxes if property values are decrease in comparison with a metropolis with a decrease mill price and better property values. Understanding these particular person metropolis charges is essential for owners, companies, and buyers.
Native authorities companies, reminiscent of colleges, libraries, parks, and public security, are primarily funded via property taxes. Consequently, these levies are important for sustaining a metropolis’s infrastructure and high quality of life. Historic tax charges present perception into budgetary traits and might replicate modifications in neighborhood priorities over time. Entry to this information empowers residents to take part informedly in native authorities and make sound monetary choices relating to property possession.
The next sections delve into the specifics of calculating particular person tax burdens, evaluating charges throughout totally different Iowa cities, and understanding the elements influencing these charges. Additional dialogue will discover sources for accessing present information and analyzing historic traits.
1. Mill Charges
Mill charges are elementary to understanding property tax calculations in Iowa. They characterize the quantity of tax levied per $1,000 of a property’s assessed worth and function the multiplier utilized to that worth to find out the tax owed. Variations in mill charges throughout Iowa cities instantly affect the general property tax burden for residents and companies.
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Budgetary Wants
Cities set up mill charges primarily based on their budgetary necessities. A metropolis with larger spending wants for companies like public security, training, or infrastructure might require a better mill price to generate adequate income. This connection between budgetary wants and mill charges underscores the significance of understanding native authorities funds when evaluating property taxes throughout totally different municipalities.
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Assessed Property Values
Whereas mill charges decide the tax per $1,000 of assessed worth, the assessed worth itself performs a major position within the last tax quantity. A metropolis with decrease property values might have a better mill price to generate the identical income as a metropolis with larger property values and a decrease mill price. This interaction between assessed values and mill charges requires cautious consideration when evaluating the general tax burden.
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Affect on Taxpayers
Mill charges instantly affect a property proprietor’s tax legal responsibility. A better mill price interprets to a better tax invoice for properties with the identical assessed worth. Understanding native mill charges is subsequently essential for people and companies making choices about property possession and funding in several Iowa cities. Evaluating mill charges alongside different elements like property values and repair ranges affords an entire image of the tax panorama.
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Transparency and Accountability
Publicly accessible mill price data promotes transparency and accountability in native authorities. Residents can use this information to grasp how their property taxes are calculated and to check charges throughout totally different municipalities. Entry to this data empowers knowledgeable civic engagement and permits residents to carry native governments accountable for accountable fiscal administration.
By contemplating mill charges along with assessed property values and native budgetary wants, people and companies can achieve helpful insights into the property tax panorama of Iowa cities. This complete understanding permits for knowledgeable decision-making relating to property possession, funding, and civic engagement.
2. Assessed Values
Assessed values kind the inspiration upon which property tax calculations are in-built Iowa. The assessed worth, representing a property’s estimated market value as decided by the native assessor, is multiplied by the relevant mill price to calculate the tax levy. This direct hyperlink between assessed worth and tax legal responsibility underscores the significance of understanding evaluation practices and procedures. A better assessed worth, even with a continuing mill price, leads to a better tax invoice. For instance, two an identical properties in several cities, one assessed at $200,000 and the opposite at $250,000, topic to the identical mill price, will end in totally different tax liabilities; the property with the upper evaluation will incur a better tax.
A number of elements affect assessed values, together with property traits (measurement, age, situation, location), comparable gross sales information, and native market situations. Understanding these influencing elements supplies property homeowners with insights into how their assessments are decided. Common reassessments be sure that property values replicate present market realities. Modifications in assessments, whether or not will increase or decreases, instantly affect subsequent tax payments. Interesting an evaluation is a recourse accessible to property homeowners who consider their evaluation doesn’t precisely replicate market worth. Efficiently interesting an over-assessment can result in vital property tax financial savings.
Correct and equitable assessments are crucial for a good and environment friendly property tax system. They be sure that the tax burden is distributed proportionally amongst property homeowners primarily based on the worth of their holdings. Challenges can come up when assessments lag behind market values, doubtlessly resulting in inequitable tax distributions. Understanding the connection between assessed values and property taxes empowers property homeowners to observe their assessments, interact within the appeals course of if vital, and finally handle their property tax liabilities successfully.
3. Municipal Budgets
Municipal budgets in Iowa instantly affect property tax charges inside every metropolis. These budgets define deliberate expenditures for important companies, together with public security (police and hearth departments), infrastructure upkeep (roads, bridges, utilities), parks and recreation, libraries, and administration. The overall income required to fund these companies, much less earnings from different sources like intergovernmental transfers or charges, determines the quantity to be raised via property taxes. This relationship establishes a direct hyperlink between a metropolis’s budgetary choices and the property tax charges imposed on its residents and companies.
For instance, a metropolis prioritizing vital investments in new infrastructure initiatives or increasing public security companies will seemingly require a bigger finances. This elevated spending, if not offset by different income sources, necessitates a better property tax levy, leading to a better mill price. Conversely, a metropolis targeted on fiscal constraint and cost-cutting measures could possibly keep and even decrease its property tax charges. Analyzing a metropolis’s finances supplies helpful insights into its priorities and the way these priorities translate into the property tax burden on its constituents. Funds transparency permits residents to grasp the rationale behind proposed tax charges and have interaction in knowledgeable discussions about native fiscal coverage. This connection underscores the significance of public entry to finances paperwork and alternatives for citizen participation within the finances course of.
Understanding the connection between municipal budgets and property tax charges is essential for residents, companies, and potential buyers. Analyzing finances allocations, income sources, and projected expenditures permits stakeholders to evaluate the monetary well being of a municipality and anticipate potential modifications in property tax charges. This knowledgeable perspective empowers residents to carry native officers accountable for accountable fiscal administration and take part successfully in shaping native priorities. Entry to complete finances data contributes to larger transparency and knowledgeable decision-making inside a neighborhood.
4. Service Ranges
Service ranges supplied by municipalities considerably affect property tax charges in Iowa cities. The vary and high quality of companies supplied, from public security and training to parks and recreation, instantly affect budgetary wants. Understanding this connection is essential for evaluating the worth obtained for property taxes paid. Larger service ranges usually necessitate larger tax charges to cowl related prices. Conversely, municipalities prioritizing decrease taxes might supply decreased service ranges.
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Public Security
Public security companies, together with police and hearth safety, characterize a considerable portion of most municipal budgets. Cities with bigger police forces, extra hearth stations, and superior emergency response techniques sometimes require larger property taxes to fund these operations. As an example, a metropolis prioritizing a fast response time for emergency companies might levy larger taxes to help a bigger, better-equipped power. This impacts property tax charges, usually requiring larger mill charges to generate the required income.
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Training
Whereas primarily funded via state and native sources, property taxes usually play a job in supporting native faculty districts. Cities with larger per-pupil spending, smaller class sizes, or specialised packages might have larger property tax charges to complement academic funding. This impacts the general tax burden on property homeowners, significantly these with youngsters within the public faculty system. Variations at school funding fashions throughout totally different municipalities can result in disparities in property tax charges.
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Infrastructure
Sustaining and enhancing native infrastructure, together with roads, bridges, water and sewer techniques, and public transportation, necessitates vital funding. Cities prioritizing strong infrastructure growth and upkeep packages usually require larger property tax charges. For instance, a metropolis enterprise a significant highway enchancment undertaking will seemingly expertise larger property taxes in the course of the undertaking’s length. This funding in infrastructure, whereas contributing to long-term financial development and high quality of life, has a direct affect on present property tax charges.
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Parks and Recreation
The supply and high quality of parks, leisure services, and neighborhood packages contribute to a metropolis’s high quality of life. Sustaining these facilities requires funding, usually derived from property taxes. Cities with intensive park techniques, neighborhood facilities, and arranged leisure actions might levy larger taxes. This connection between parks and recreation companies and property tax charges highlights the trade-off between enhanced facilities and better tax burdens. Choices relating to the extent of funding for these companies replicate neighborhood priorities and instantly affect property tax charges.
The interaction between service ranges and property tax charges requires cautious consideration. Evaluating the worth obtained for taxes paid includes inspecting the standard and comprehensiveness of companies supplied in relation to the general tax burden. Evaluating service ranges and corresponding tax charges throughout totally different municipalities permits for a extra knowledgeable evaluation of the worth proposition supplied by every metropolis. This understanding empowers residents and companies to make knowledgeable choices about the place to reside and function, contemplating each the price of residing and the standard of life supplied by native companies.
5. Tax Levies
Tax levies characterize the entire quantity of property tax income a metropolis in Iowa intends to gather in a given fiscal 12 months. They’re a direct consequence of municipal budgets and replicate the funding required for public companies and operations. Understanding tax levies is important for comprehending the dynamics of Iowa property tax charges on the metropolis stage. Levies are calculated by multiplying the general assessed worth of property inside a metropolis by the established mill price. The levy quantity, distributed amongst property homeowners in response to their particular person assessed values, funds the town’s accredited finances. Analyzing tax levies supplies perception into the monetary calls for of every municipality and contributes to a clearer understanding of variations in property tax charges throughout totally different Iowa cities.
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Budgetary Necessities
The first driver of tax levies is the municipality’s adopted finances. A metropolis with larger expenditures deliberate for companies like public security, infrastructure enhancements, or training would require a better tax levy to generate adequate income. Analyzing the budgetary parts that contribute to the levy quantity helps to grasp the allocation of tax {dollars} and the rationale behind variations in tax charges between cities. As an example, a metropolis investing closely in new faculty services might have a better levy in comparison with a metropolis with much less bold capital enchancment plans.
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Assessed Property Values
Whereas the mill price determines the tax per $1,000 of assessed worth, the entire assessed worth of all property inside a metropolis instantly influences the general tax levy. A metropolis with a big tax base of high-value properties can generate a considerable levy even with a comparatively low mill price. Conversely, a metropolis with decrease total property values might have a better mill price to attain the specified levy quantity. The interplay between assessed values and mill charges performs a key position in shaping the tax burden throughout totally different cities.
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Levy Limitations and Controls
Iowa legislation might impose limitations or controls on the expansion of tax levies, which might affect a metropolis’s potential to extend income via property taxes. These limitations, designed to guard taxpayers from extreme tax will increase, can affect budgetary choices and encourage fiscal duty. Understanding these limitations is important for decoding tax levy traits and anticipating potential challenges confronted by municipalities in funding desired service ranges. For instance, a metropolis reaching its levy restrict might have to discover various income sources or curtail deliberate expenditures.
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Transparency and Public Scrutiny
Proposed tax levies are topic to public overview and approval processes, offering alternatives for residents to scrutinize municipal budgets and have interaction in discussions about native fiscal coverage. This transparency ensures accountability and permits taxpayers to grasp how their contributions will likely be utilized. Analyzing tax levies and taking part in public finances hearings empowers residents to contribute to knowledgeable decision-making relating to native authorities funds and maintain elected officers accountable for accountable spending.
By understanding the connection between tax levies, municipal budgets, assessed property values, and levy limitations, residents and companies achieve helpful insights into the elements influencing Iowa property tax charges on the metropolis stage. This information promotes knowledgeable civic engagement and facilitates higher decision-making relating to property possession and funding throughout totally different Iowa municipalities. Analyzing tax levies helps to attach the dots between native authorities funds and the tax burdens skilled by property homeowners, selling a deeper understanding of the property tax panorama in Iowa.
6. Exemptions
Property tax exemptions in Iowa play a major position in shaping the efficient tax burden throughout totally different cities. These exemptions cut back the taxable worth of a property, thereby reducing the general tax owed. Understanding accessible exemptions is essential for property homeowners in search of to handle their tax liabilities. Variations in exemption insurance policies throughout municipalities contribute to the complexity of Iowa’s property tax panorama. A complete understanding of those exemptions is important for correct property tax calculations and knowledgeable decision-making relating to property possession.
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Homestead Exemption
The homestead exemption reduces the taxable worth of a major residence, offering tax aid for owners. Eligibility standards sometimes embody owner-occupancy and assembly particular residency necessities. The quantity of the exemption can range between municipalities, impacting the extent of tax financial savings realized by owners in several cities. For instance, a bigger homestead exemption in a single metropolis might end in considerably decrease property taxes in comparison with one other metropolis with a smaller or no homestead exemption, even when mill charges are comparable.
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Agricultural Land Exemptions
Agricultural land used for bona fide farming actions usually qualifies for exemptions designed to help the agricultural sector. These exemptions acknowledge the distinctive financial contributions of agriculture and purpose to scale back the tax burden on farmland. The particular standards for qualifying as agricultural land, and the extent of tax aid supplied, can range between cities, impacting the profitability of farming operations in several areas. This variation contributes to the various agricultural panorama of Iowa.
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Senior Citizen and Incapacity Exemptions
Exemptions concentrating on senior residents and people with disabilities purpose to offer tax aid for these weak populations. Eligibility necessities sometimes embody age or incapacity standing and will contain earnings limitations. The extent of those exemptions can differ considerably between municipalities, affecting the affordability of housing for seniors and disabled people in numerous cities. As an example, a metropolis with beneficiant exemptions for seniors might entice a bigger retired inhabitants in comparison with a metropolis with much less substantial tax aid for this demographic.
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Army Service and Veteran Exemptions
Exemptions for navy personnel and veterans acknowledge their service and sacrifice. These exemptions might cut back the taxable worth of their property or supply different types of tax aid. Variations in these exemptions throughout cities replicate differing ranges of help for navy personnel and veterans inside every neighborhood. Understanding these variations is necessary for veterans contemplating relocating to totally different areas inside Iowa.
The varied array of property tax exemptions accessible in Iowa contributes to the complexity of evaluating tax burdens throughout totally different cities. Whereas mill charges present a place to begin for comparability, factoring in relevant exemptions supplies a extra correct illustration of the efficient tax price. Understanding the particular exemptions accessible inside every municipality is essential for owners, companies, and buyers in search of to make knowledgeable choices about property possession in Iowa. Fastidiously evaluating each mill charges and accessible exemptions empowers knowledgeable decision-making and contributes to a extra nuanced understanding of the property tax panorama inside the state.
7. Appeals Course of
The appeals course of affords a crucial avenue for property homeowners in Iowa to problem their property assessments, which instantly affect their property tax liabilities. This course of performs a major position in guaranteeing truthful and correct taxation inside the framework of “Iowa property tax charges by metropolis.” By offering a mechanism for contesting assessments, the appeals course of contributes to a extra equitable and clear property tax system. Understanding this course of is important for property homeowners in search of to handle their tax burdens successfully.
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Grounds for Enchantment
Appeals are sometimes primarily based on particular grounds, reminiscent of an inaccurate evaluation of the property’s market worth, an incorrect classification of the property kind, or the unequal utility of evaluation requirements in comparison with comparable properties. For instance, if a property proprietor believes their evaluation considerably exceeds the market worth primarily based on comparable gross sales information, they could have grounds for an attraction. Efficiently demonstrating a sound foundation for attraction is essential for attaining a discount within the assessed worth and, consequently, the property tax owed.
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Native Board of Assessment
The preliminary stage of the appeals course of sometimes includes submitting a petition with the native Board of Assessment. This board, composed of appointed members inside the municipality, critiques evaluation appeals and determines whether or not changes are warranted. Presenting compelling proof, reminiscent of comparable gross sales information, appraisal stories, or documentation of property situation, is important for successfully arguing a case earlier than the Board of Assessment. The end result of this native overview can considerably affect the next trajectory of the attraction.
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Property Evaluation Enchantment Board
If the native Board of Assessment resolution is unsatisfactory, property homeowners might attraction additional to the Property Evaluation Enchantment Board (PAAB) on the state stage. This board supplies an unbiased overview of evaluation disputes and might overturn or modify native board choices. Navigating the PAAB attraction course of might contain authorized illustration and adherence to particular procedural necessities. This stage of attraction represents a vital alternative to problem assessments that property homeowners consider are unfair or inaccurate.
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District Courtroom
In sure circumstances, additional appeals to district court docket could also be attainable after exhausting the executive attraction choices. This judicial overview permits for authorized challenges to evaluation choices, sometimes primarily based on authorized or procedural errors. Pursuing authorized motion via district court docket could be a advanced and resource-intensive endeavor, however could also be vital in circumstances the place vital tax liabilities are at stake. This avenue of attraction represents the ultimate recourse for property homeowners in search of redress for perceived injustices within the evaluation course of.
The appeals course of affords a significant safeguard for property homeowners inside the context of “Iowa property tax charges by metropolis.” By enabling challenges to assessments, this course of promotes accuracy, equity, and transparency in property taxation. Understanding the varied levels of attraction, from the native Board of Assessment to potential district court docket litigation, empowers property homeowners to guard their pursuits and guarantee they’re paying their fair proportion of property taxes. Efficiently navigating the appeals course of can result in vital tax financial savings and contribute to a extra equitable distribution of the tax burden throughout Iowa communities.
8. Cost Strategies
Property tax cost strategies in Iowa contribute to the general taxpayer expertise and affect the monetary administration of municipalities. Providing numerous cost choices supplies comfort for property homeowners whereas guaranteeing well timed income assortment for cities. Understanding accessible cost strategies inside the context of “Iowa property tax charges by metropolis” empowers property homeowners to handle their tax obligations effectively.
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On-line Funds
On-line cost portals supply comfort and suppleness, permitting property homeowners to pay taxes electronically from wherever with web entry. This methodology reduces the necessity for in-person visits or mailing funds, streamlining the cost course of and doubtlessly lowering processing time for municipalities. For instance, many Iowa cities accomplice with third-party cost processors to facilitate safe on-line transactions. The supply of on-line cost choices displays a transfer in direction of modernizing tax assortment and enhancing accessibility for taxpayers.
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In-Particular person Funds
Conventional in-person cost choices stay accessible in lots of Iowa cities, sometimes at designated authorities workplaces such because the county treasurer’s workplace or metropolis corridor. This methodology permits for direct interplay with employees and could be most popular by those that favor face-to-face transactions or require help with cost procedures. Nonetheless, in-person funds might contain journey time and potential wait instances, significantly throughout peak tax seasons. Sustaining in-person cost choices ensures accessibility for all segments of the inhabitants, together with these with out web entry or preferring conventional cost strategies.
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Mail-In Funds
Mailing funds by examine or cash order stays a typical methodology for paying property taxes in Iowa. This feature supplies comfort for many who favor to not pay on-line or in particular person. Nonetheless, mailed funds require cautious consideration to deadlines to keep away from late cost penalties. Making certain correct postage and well timed mailing is essential to keep away from delays in processing and potential penalties. The continued availability of mail-in funds accommodates numerous taxpayer preferences and entry limitations.
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Cost Plans/Installments
Some Iowa cities supply cost plan choices, permitting property homeowners to unfold their tax funds over a number of installments. This flexibility can ease the monetary burden of a big lump-sum cost, significantly for these on mounted incomes or dealing with momentary monetary constraints. Cost plan availability and particular phrases can range between municipalities, impacting the accessibility and affordability of property tax funds for residents. Providing cost plans demonstrates a dedication to taxpayer wants and might contribute to larger monetary stability for property homeowners.
The number of cost strategies accessible for “Iowa property tax charges by metropolis” displays a dedication to accessibility and environment friendly income assortment. By providing handy choices reminiscent of on-line funds, in-person funds, mail-in funds, and cost plans, municipalities attempt to fulfill the various wants of their residents. Understanding these cost choices empowers property homeowners to handle their tax obligations successfully and keep away from potential penalties related to late or missed funds. The continued evolution of cost strategies, significantly the rising prevalence of on-line cost techniques, displays a broader pattern in direction of modernization and enhanced comfort in authorities companies.
Often Requested Questions on Iowa Property Tax Charges by Metropolis
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to property tax charges throughout Iowa’s municipalities. Understanding these regularly requested questions can present readability and facilitate knowledgeable decision-making relating to property possession and funding.
Query 1: How are property tax charges decided in Iowa cities?
Municipalities set up property tax charges primarily based on their budgetary wants and the entire assessed worth of property inside their jurisdiction. Charges, expressed in mills, characterize the tax levied per $1,000 of assessed worth. State rules and native insurance policies additionally affect price setting.
Query 2: Why do property tax charges range between cities?
Variations in tax charges replicate variations in municipal budgets, service ranges, assessed property values, and the utilization of accessible tax exemptions and levies. Cities with larger service ranges or decrease property values might require larger tax charges to generate equal income.
Query 3: The place can present property tax charges for Iowa cities be discovered?
Present price data is often accessible via the web sites of particular person metropolis or county governments. The Iowa Division of Income can also supply sources for accessing property tax information.
Query 4: How do assessed property values affect tax liabilities?
Assessed values, decided by native assessors, characterize a property’s estimated market value. This worth, multiplied by the relevant mill price, determines the tax owed. Larger assessments end in larger tax liabilities, even with a continuing mill price.
Query 5: What recourse do property homeowners have in the event that they consider their evaluation is inaccurate?
Property homeowners can problem their assessments via the appeals course of, sometimes beginning with the native Board of Assessment. Appeals might proceed to the state stage Property Evaluation Enchantment Board and, in some circumstances, to district court docket.
Query 6: How do property tax exemptions have an effect on the general tax burden?
Exemptions cut back the portion of a property’s worth topic to taxation. Frequent exemptions embody homestead exemptions for major residences, agricultural exemptions, and exemptions for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. These exemptions can considerably affect the ultimate tax owed.
Understanding these features of Iowa’s property tax system supplies a basis for knowledgeable monetary planning and civic engagement. Additional analysis and session with native authorities officers can present extra insights tailor-made to particular circumstances.
The following sections of this useful resource will present detailed steerage on accessing property tax data for particular Iowa cities and supply instruments for evaluating charges throughout totally different municipalities. This data will equip people and companies with the data essential to navigate the complexities of Iowa’s property tax panorama and make knowledgeable choices relating to property possession and funding.
Suggestions for Navigating Iowa’s Property Tax Panorama
Cautious consideration of property taxes is essential when making choices about property possession or relocation in Iowa. The following pointers present steerage for understanding and managing property tax liabilities successfully.
Tip 1: Analysis Particular Metropolis Charges: Attributable to native variations, counting on statewide averages supplies an incomplete image. Seek the advice of metropolis or county web sites for exact charges relevant to particular properties of curiosity.
Tip 2: Perceive the Affect of Assessed Values: Assessments instantly affect tax burdens. Monitor evaluation modifications and problem inaccuracies via the appeals course of, doubtlessly resulting in vital tax financial savings.
Tip 3: Analyze Municipal Budgets: Reviewing metropolis budgets supplies insights into spending priorities and potential future tax implications. Attend public finances hearings and have interaction with native officers to grasp the rationale behind proposed tax charges.
Tip 4: Consider Service Ranges: Contemplate the vary and high quality of municipal companies supplied when evaluating tax charges throughout cities. Larger taxes might replicate superior service provision, impacting high quality of life and property values.
Tip 5: Discover Accessible Exemptions: Examine potential exemptions, reminiscent of homestead, agricultural, senior, or veteran exemptions, as these can considerably cut back tax burdens. Eligibility necessities range, requiring cautious overview of native rules.
Tip 6: Consider Lengthy-Time period Tax Traits: Historic tax price information informs projections about future liabilities. Analyzing traits helps anticipate potential will increase and handle long-term monetary planning associated to property possession.
Tip 7: Seek the advice of with Native Specialists: Search steerage from actual property professionals, tax advisors, or native authorities officers for insights particular to particular person circumstances. Skilled recommendation supplies tailor-made methods for navigating native tax rules.
By implementing these methods, property homeowners achieve management over their tax liabilities and make knowledgeable choices about actual property in Iowa. This proactive method contributes to larger monetary stability and helps well-informed neighborhood engagement.
The next conclusion summarizes key takeaways and emphasizes the significance of knowledgeable decision-making when navigating Iowa’s advanced property tax system.
Conclusion
Navigating Iowa’s property tax panorama requires a nuanced understanding of the interaction between mill charges, assessed values, municipal budgets, service ranges, and accessible exemptions. Vital variations exist between cities, underscoring the significance of researching particular municipalities when contemplating property possession or funding. The appeals course of affords a vital mechanism for difficult assessments and guaranteeing truthful taxation. Entry to complete information and sources empowers knowledgeable decision-making and facilitates efficient tax administration.
Property taxes represent a significant funding supply for important native authorities companies. A radical understanding of property tax charges, evaluation procedures, and accessible exemptions empowers residents and companies to interact actively in native governance and make sound monetary decisions. Continued evaluation of property tax traits and insurance policies stays important for fostering sustainable communities and accountable fiscal administration throughout Iowa.