Frequently Asked Questions
Filter by Department
Auditor Board of Supervisors Conservation Emergency Management Planning and Zoning Recorder Secondary Roads Sheriff and Jail Show AllAuditor
Absentee
Can I pick up or request a ballot for someone else?
No. In Iowa you can only request an absentee ballot for yourself.
Can I request an absentee ballot by email or fax?
Yes. You may request an absentee ballot via email or fax and a ballot will be mailed to you. However, in order for your ballot to be counted you must also mail in or drop off the original paper ballot request.
Can I use power of attorney to request a ballot for my spouse, child or parent?
No. Under Iowa law, power of attorney does not apply for all election related matters.
Can someone else return my absentee ballot for me?
The only people who may return a ballot for a voter are:
- someone living in the voter’s household
- an immediate family member
- a special precinct election official delivering a ballot for health care residents
- a delivery agent, in the case of a voter unable to return a ballot due to blindness or other disability
Do I need to sign the return envelope of my absentee ballot?
Yes! Your absentee ballot cannot be counted unless you have signed the affidavit envelope that you return your ballot in. If we receive a ballot back that has not been signed we will attempt to contact you to get this fixed. Once contacted, you may decide to either:
- Request a replacement ballot and return it by 8:00 p.m. on election day
- Vote at the polls on election day
- Sign the affidavit in person at the county auditor’s office by 8:00 p.m. on election day
Do absentee ballots even get counted?
Yes. There is a myth that absentee ballots only get counted if the election is close, however, this is not true. Under Iowa law, every ballot must be counted.
What is the last day I can turn in my absentee ballot?
You are allowed to hand deliver your ballot to the Auditor’s office up until the time the polls close on Election Day. If you return your ballot through the mail, your ballot must arrive by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day, with exceptions for individuals in the Safe at Home program and military/overseas citizens. Learn more on our Absentee Voting page.
Election Day
Can I get help marking my ballot?
Yes. If you need assistance filling out your ballot ask a poll worker for help. A team of one republican and one democrat will come over and help you mark your ballot. Also available in each polling location is a ballot marking device that will read you all of the choices and then print out your marked ballot.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Yes. Iowa law allows for Election Day registration if you are able to provide proof of identification (i.e. valid photo ID) and proof of residency (i.e. utility bill with your name on it if your ID has an outdated address on it). If you are unable to provide one or both of these you are allowed to bring someone with you to attest that you have the right to vote.
Can I take my absentee ballot to the polls on Election Day and vote there?
Yes. If you have not returned your absentee ballot you may go to your polling place on Election Day and vote a regular ballot.
Do I need to show ID to vote?
Beginning January 1, 2019, Iowa voters will be required to show a driver’s license, non-driver’s ID, passport, military ID, veterans ID, Tribal ID or Voter ID Card at the polls before they vote. Voters, starting in 2019, without an ID may cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identity.
I am already registered but my information needs updated; can I do that on Election Day?
Yes. While it is recommended that you update your information prior to Election Day to speed things up at the polls, you may wait and do so on Election Day. If you are updating your address just make sure you are going to the polling place for your new address. When updating your address you will now need to provide proof of identity and proof of residency.
I can't get out of my car; can someone bring me a ballot to vote from there?
Yes. If you are unable to go inside the polling place a team of election workers will be sent out to your car to help you vote.
I lost my absentee ballot; can I just go vote on Election Day?
Yes. When you go to vote, a poll worker will verify with the auditor’s office that your absentee ballot has not been returned. If it is confirmed that the auditor’s office has not received a ballot from you then you will be given a new ballot to vote there.
What do I need to bring with me to vote?
Starting in January of 2019 you will be required to show identification. If you need to register to vote on Election Day, you must bring proof of identification and proof of residency.
What if I lost my ID or forgot to take one with me to the polls?
Starting in 2019, if you do not have your ID with you, you may either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to your identity. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
What if I'm still waiting in line when the polls close?
So long as you are in line to vote at the time the polls close you will be allowed to vote.
What is a provisional ballot?
If a voter’s eligibility is in question on Election Day they are allowed to cast a provisional ballot. After the voter marks their ballot and returns it to the poll worker, the voter is required to provide the necessary identification or documentation at the polling place before it closes or provide it at the Auditor’s Office by noon on the following Monday. If the canvass will be held earlier than the following Monday, the identification must be provided before the canvass.
If it is determined that you do have the right to vote in the precinct in which you voted, your ballot will then be counted and included in the final vote total.
General Information
Can I get a new ballot if I make a mistake or lose my ballot?
Yes. If you make a mistake on an absentee ballot mark your return envelope “Spoiled” and return it to the Auditor’s office either by mail or in person. If you return it by mail contact the Auditor’s office to be sent a new one.
On Election Day if you make a mistake on your ballot, return it to the poll worker to receive a new one. You are allowed up to three ballots so don’t make too many mistakes!
Can I vote for someone that is not on the ballot?
Yes. For each race on the ballot, a line is provided for you to write-in the name of someone for whom you wish to vote for. Make sure you color in the oval!
Can an independent vote in a primary election?
Yes and No. In Iowa, you must be a member of a political party (currently: Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian) to vote in a primary election. However, anyone* can change parties on Election Day and vote. For independents to vote they must declare a political party.
*Precinct election officials may not change political parties within 30 days of an election.
Do I have to vote for everything on the ballot?
No. You can vote for as much or as little as you would like; it’s all up to you!
If I change my mind on who I want to vote for after I have returned my ballot, can I get a new one?
No. If you have already returned your absentee ballot to the Auditor’s office you may not request a new ballot if you have changed your mind on who you wish to vote for.
If I chose a party do I have to vote for all of their candidates?
It depends on the election. In primary elections, you can only vote for candidates from the party to which you belong. In general elections, you are free to vote for anyone you like, regardless of their party affiliation.
What if I don't have an ID?
Registered voters who do not have an Iowa driver’s license or non-operator’s ID were issued a voter ID card. Voter ID cards must be signed before going to the polls. The new voter ID card will contain a PIN number that will be used for voting purposes. If you should have a voter ID card and do not, please contact our office to have one sent to you.
What is Voter ID?
Starting in 2019, voters must provide an ID when going to vote. Voters who do not have ID will be allowed to either cast a provisional ballot or have another registered voter attest to their identification. Learn more about provisional ballots and attesting on our Voter ID page.
There are 6 approved types of identification that may be used:
- an Iowa Driver’s License or Non-Operator ID
- a Voter ID issued by the Secretary of State or the Auditor’s Office
- a current US Passport
- a US Military ID
- a US Veteran’s ID
- a Tribal ID
Where do I vote?
Where you vote is determined by where you live and you must vote in the precinct to which you are assigned for your ballot to be counted. To find your polling place please visit the Polling Places page on our website.
Registration
Can I update my voter registration over the phone?
No. All updates to voter registration must be made in writing or online through the Iowa DOT if you have an Iowa driver’s license.
Can a homeless person register to vote?
Yes. Any eligible voter in Iowa may register to vote. Because many of those who are homeless have a nontraditional address they just need to provide an address or description of where they sleep the most, wherever that may be.
Can someone with a previous felony conviction vote?
Those with a prior felony conviction are only permitted to vote if their voting rights have been restored by the Governor, including through Executive Order. For more information about restoration of rights, contact the Governor’s office or visit the voter registration page on our website.
Do I have to register to vote for every election?
No. You would only need to re-register if your information has changed and you need to update it.
How do I update my address?
If you have moved recently and need to update your address for voting, all you have to do is fill out a new voter registration form and submit it to the Auditor’s office. If you do not update your address after a move through a new voter registration form and do not vote in the next general election, you will be marked inactive (inactive voters may still vote with proper ID). Registration will be canceled if two more general elections pass with no voter activity.
I just registered and received a card in the mail but there is a mistake on it; what do I do now?
If you notice a mistake on your voter card please contact the Auditor’s Office and/or submit a new registration form to correct your information.
I registered as an independent; why does my card say "NP" or "No Party"?
Iowa does not recognize an “independent” party. Instead, “No Party” is used to indicate a lack of affiliation with a political party.
Board of Supervisors
Does Wapello County offer food assistance?
The Wapello County Supplemental Food Program is for Wapello County Seniors 60 years of age & older. This is twice a month program and is distributed by the Food Bank of Iowa, PO Box 517, Des Moines, IA 52305. The application may be mailed to you by calling 515-867-2881.
Fill out an application and mail back to the Food Bank of Iowa, PO Box 514, Des Moines, IA 52305 . Proof of age and income are to be mailed in with the application.
Does Wapello County pick up stray animals?
Wapello County does not pick up stray animals. The procedure for stray animals in the county is to contact the Board of Supervisors at (641) 683-4630 to get approval to take the animal you have to the Eastview Animal Hospital. We then advertise in the Ottumwa Courier and will be posting on our website the description and the area where the animal was found. The county will hold the animal for up to 5 days.
Can my property taxes be suspended?
Citizens meeting certain income guidelines can ask for a property tax suspension. Certain property owners may through the Department of Human Service qualify for tax suspension. Call the Wapello County Supervisors office for more information at (641) 683-4630.
Conservation
Are dogs allowed inside the cabins?
Pets are not allowed inside the cabins. They are allowed on property if leashed, and their waste is picked up.
Are shelters available for rent?
Yes. Shelters can be rented through MyCountyParks.com.
Can I reserve a campsite?
No. Campsites are first come, first serve.
How do I check availability of cabins and shelters?
Availability can be found on MyCountyParks.com
How do I reserve a cabin?
Cabin reservations can be made online through MyCountyParks.com
How many people are allowed in the cabins?
Camping cabins allow 5 guests. Modern cabins allow 6 guests. Parties over allowed amount should be held at one of the shelters.
How much are cabins?
Modern cabins are $85 a night. Camping cabins are $45 a night.
I paid online, do I still need to send a damage deposit?
Yes, the $150 is not collected online. The damage deposit can be dropped off at the Pioneer Ridge Nature Center or mailed to 1339 Hwy 63, Bloomfield, IA 52537. Please include "damage deposit" and the date of your stay in the memo portion of the check.
Is smoking allowed in the cabins?
Smoking is not allowed in cabins, Pioneer Ridge Nature Center, or shelters.
Is there a fee to enter the Pioneer Ridge Nature Center?
No. The Pioneer Ridge Nature Center is free to the public.
What are the Pioneer Ridge Nature Center hours?
The Pioneer Ridge Nature Center is open Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm and is closed for holidays.
Emergency Management
What does Emergency Management Do?
Emergency Management is responsible for a wide range of activities which include developing, maintaining and exercising the disaster plans for Wapello County, providing training to our local first responders and citizens, implementing mitigation strategies to lessen the effects of disaster, preparing for the long term recovery process that follows a disaster, maintaining the county emergency operations center (EOC), and managing the EOC when activated to provide an effective coordinated response to emergency situations.
Who makes the determination for evacuation?
The Mayor or high-ranking official for your jurisdiction has the authority to order an evacuation to safeguard lives. The Incident Commander, in cases of an emergency situation, can also make the determination to order an evacuation to protect the welfare of the public. (Example, a Hazardous Materials Spill.)
Does Wapello County have emergency shelters?
Yes, Wapello County Emergency Management partners with the Red Cross, and together we have developed a list of emergency shelters. In the event of a shelter being opened, monitor local radio stations and other news media to find the shelter nearest to you. Note – Citizens are encouraged to prepare ahead of time for their pets. Shelters do not allow animals. Contact your veterinarian or local boarding facility to make arrangements.
How does Emergency Management benefit me?
By developing and maintaining effective plans, first responders county-wide can utilize an organized approach to disasters and emergencies. Having predefined roles and training in the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) can better serve citizens. Emergency Management takes a multidisciplinary approach to disaster planning. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Emergency Management Office if they have concerns in their area.
How do I receive training from my local Emergency Management Office?
You can contact the Emergency Management Office to arrange training or talks for your school, church, organization or group. Public education is key in protecting our communities during disasters and emergencies.
What is a disaster?
Chapter 29C.2 classifies a disaster as man-made or natural occurrences such as fire, flood, drought, earthquake, tornado, windstorm, hazardous material or nuclear power plant accident or incident, which threatens public peace, health and safety.
How can I help in a disaster?
Volunteerism is a key component in any disaster or major emergency. Many times, our first responders can get overwhelmed with tasks related to a disaster while still performing day-to-day operations. Tasks such as sandbagging, meal service, answering phones or working on disaster-related projects are extremely important. In the event of a disaster, please call ahead before you go to an emergency scene. Depending on the situation, first responders may need to clear the area of danger. If you would like to be added to the volunteer registry please contact the Wapello County Emergency Management office at 641-683-0050 Ext. 317.
Why can’t I hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens?
The outdoor warning sirens are designed to warn residents when they are outside only. These sirens are placed around the city, or in some cases, centrally located for maximum coverage. The best way to protect your family is to purchase an NOAA all-hazard radio. These all-hazard radios will alert your family of impending danger. It is also important to make sure the batteries are in proper working condition in case of a power failure. We recommend changing the batteries in your all-hazard radios twice a year at the same time you replace your smoke detector batteries. Visit the NOAA website for more all-hazard radio and severe weather information.
Planning and Zoning
Do I need to apply for a permit?
Yes. If you plan on doing any constructing, reconstructing, enlarging, altering, or moving of a building or structure (including sheds, decks, fences, and signs), on any property outside of city limits you must apply for a permit.
How many acres are required to build?
In an A-1 Agricultural District it requires 10 acres to build. An A-2 Agricultural/ Rural Residential District require 2.5 acres to build. R-1 Residential District the minimum lot size must be at least 1⁄2 acre. All districts that are C-1, C-2, I-1 and I-2 no minimum lot size is required.
How is the determination made as to whether my property is agriculturally exempt from building permits?
An Ag Exempt application must be applied for. All applications are submitted to the Wapello County Zoning Administrator for review a site viewing will be made. The property must currently be used for producing crops and/or raising livestock. Livestock are defined in the Wapello County Zoning ordinance as cattle, horses, sheep, swine and poultry, and other animals or fowl which are being produced primarily for use as food or food products for human consumption.
How much are building permits?
Fees for building permits are based on the square footage of the structure. Applications are made to the Wapello County Planning and Zoning Department. Applicants are informed of the required permits fee after the permit application has been reviewed and approved. All fees are due prior to the issuance of permit.
How do I find out what my property is zoned?
Inquiries on how property is zoned may be made by contacting the Planning and Zoning Department at 641-684-5425. Please have the legal description (from your tax bill or property abstract) or address for the property you are inquiring about ready when you call.
What are the setbacks for my property?
Different setback requirements apply in each zoning district. After the zoning classification of your property has been determined, you may find information on permitted uses and property setbacks for that classification in the Zoning Ordinance or by asking the Planning and Zoning Department.
What if I have questions?
The Planning and Zoning Department is available to answer your questions from 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling 641-684-5425.
Recorder
Do you have property abstracts on file?
No. Abstracts are not filed in our office.
Does your office handle Divorce Records?
No. The Wapello County Clerk of Court can help you with divorce records. You may contact them at (641) 683-0060.
How do I add or take somebody off the title of my property?
You can file a deed in our office. We do not have blank forms available in our office. Many people have a lawyer create one, or you can get one online or some office supply stores have the form for purchase. All documents recorded must meet Iowa document formatting standards.
What are your hours of business?
General office hours are 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Recording Documents: Cash, Check, Credit Card or Money Order
Passports: Check or Money Order; Credit Card allowed for acceptance and photo fees only
DNR Transactions: Cash, Check, Credit Card, or Money Order
Vital Records: Cash, Check or Money Order
Where are you located?
Wapello County Courthouse
2nd Floor
101 W. 4th St.
Ottumwa, IA 52501
Who can get a copy of a Military Record?
Veterans and next-of-kin of deceased veterans have full access to the record. Next-of-kin includes the un-remarried widow or widower, son or daughter, father or mother, brother or sister of the deceased veteran. For more information, please contact our Veterans Affairs Department at (641) 684-8079.
Can I get my birth record if I was born overseas?
Birth records of persons born in foreign countries who are citizens at birth may write to:
Passport Services Correspondence Branch
US Department of State
1111 19th Street NW Suite 510
Washington DC 20522-1705
How do I get my birth certificate?
To obtain a copy of your birth certificate, you can come in person or apply by mail. We should have your record if you were born in Wapello County, your parents were married at the time of your birth and you were not adopted. We also have single parent birth's after January 1 of 1987 through present day. We may not have your birth certificate if you were born in the years 1921 through 1941. If you apply in person, you will need to fill out an application, bring your photo I.D., and $15.00 cash/check. If you apply by mail, complete and sign* the Vital Record Application. Please enclose the $15.00 fee in the form of cash, check, or money order. Once we receive your request, we’ll mail it out the following business day.
*All signatures must be notarized. If the request is by mail, the applicant must sign in front of a Notary Public and include a clear photocopy of the applicant's current government-issued photo identification.
I was not born in Wapello County. How can I get a copy of my birth certificate?
The Iowa Department of Public Health has birth certificates for all Iowa births. Their phone number is (515)281-4944. For births outside of Iowa, you will need to contact the vital records department in the state of your birth or go to https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/w2w/index.htm
What's the difference between a certified copy and an uncertified copy?
A certified copy has what most refer to as a “raised seal” and states that the copy is a true and correct reproduction of the original record. An uncertified copy or a “plain” copy has no seal or verbiage indicating authenticity. An uncertified copy also has a stamp noting “not for legal purposes”.
Can a marriage license be applied for in Wapello County if the marriage ceremony is to take place in a different county?
Yes, the license is valid in any county in the state of Iowa. It is not valid outside of Iowa.
Can we change our names through marriage?
Yes. In fact, a marriage provides the opportunity to legally change your name. Because of this, it is important to complete the application correctly and in full. Do not use initials or nick names unless you wish them to become your legal name.
Do we need a blood test to get married?
No.
What is the legal waiting period for remarrying after a divorce?
None. A marriage can take place at any time once a divorce is final. However, you may not apply for the marriage license until the divorce is final.
Who is legally able to perform a marriage ceremony in the state of Iowa?
A leader of a religious institution or an Associate District or District Judge. The fees and availability for each Judge may vary. For more Officiant Information click here.
How long does it take to get a passport?
Processing times can vary depending on workload and occasional unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters.
For more information on passports and/or processing times please go to: www.travel.state.gov
What are your hours of business?
Passport appointment times are from 8:00 am - 4:15 pm Monday through Friday. Passport appointments are recommended, please call our office at (641) 683-0045 to schedule an appointment.
Do we process licenses for the DNR?
The Recorder’s Office processes transactions for the Department of Natural Resources. This includes: boat, snowmobile, ATV & ORV titles/registrations. Also included is hunting and fishing licenses, deer and turkey tags.
For more information, go to www.iowadnr.gov.
Secondary Roads
Dirt Roads
Can I gate off a dirt road?
You cannot gate off a dirt road unless it has been downgraded to a Class 'C' (local access only) road. Our policy on downgrading a road describes this process.
How do I get rock put on a dirt road?
Wapello County has an established policy to follow for upgrading dirt roads to gravel roads. In short, the following is required:
- Have a petition signed by all adjacent landowners
- Donate necessary right-of-way to 50' on each side of the road along the entire length of road upgraded
- Pay for all costs to regrade and bring the road up to gravel road standards
- Pay for 1000 ton/mile of rock to be placed the first time on the road
After these requirements have been met, Wapello County will take over maintenance of the gravel road.
Driveways & Field Entrances
Do I need a permit to widen my driveway?
Any work done (including driveway widening) in the right-of-way requires a permit from the County Engineer. You can download a permit or visit our office to fill one out. We will review the site and authorize the work before it has begun.
How do I add a driveway to my property?
You need to fill out a driveway permit and submit it to our office. We will review the proposed location for site distance and safety. We will provide the required pipe diameter if one is required. After the permit has been reviewed, you may construct the entrance.
Who repairs driveway culvert pipe?
All driveways and maintenance of such are the sole responsibility of the property owner. Please see Driveway and Entrance Policy for more details.
Dust Control
How do I get dust control by my property?
Contact an approved dust control supplier for Wapello County. They will provide you with our dust control policy, permit application, and green flags to mark the location to be sprayed. You do not need to contact Wapello County.
How much is the permit for dust control?
There is no cost for the actual Wapello County Dust Control Permit. All costs for dust control are determined by each individual approved supplier.
Where do I get the green flags to mark my dust control?
The green flags are supplied by your dust control provider. You are responsible for keeping the green flags visible so the road grader does not grade your dust control.
Can I use waste oil as dust control?
No. Waste oil is a pollutant and not permitted by the Iowa DNR or Wapello County.
Gravel Roads
When will the county pave my gravel road?
It costs between $ 600,000 and $ 800,000 per mile to properly grade and pave a new road, depending upon the lay of the land and the number of drainage structures. Paving is an expensive alternative when a well travelled gravel road can be maintained for $ 2,000 per year. The criteria set by the Iowa DOT for paving new roads include the traffic count, nearest parallel paved route, the functional classification, and the percentage of truck traffic. Due to the high cost of paving roads and the relatively low amount of money available for new construction it is very difficult to pave new roads. You can see all of our future construction plans on the construction page.
Snow Removal
What are the hours of operation for winter snow removal?
As long as roadways are passable, the Secondary Roads crew will work regular hours (Mon - Fri, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and not work on the weekends. Following a winter storm, we will work overtime hours during the week and weekend from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until access has been restored to homes and livestock. Our Snow Ordinance provides additional details on our snow removal procedures and policies.
I’ve seen plow trucks on the road that sometimes aren’t spreading salt. Why don’t they since they are there anyway?
Salt does not melt ice, but it does lower the freezing temperature of water. This works down to a temperature of approximately 20 degrees. At a critical temperature of about 20 degrees, applying salt to roads packed with snow or ice may create worse problems by causing the snow or ice to “glaze” or form a slick shiny surface. Also, during windy storms, snow will often blow off a bare road, whereas salt will sometimes cause the snow to begin to stick . We monitor the forecast and current temperatures to determine the most efficient use of our salt.
Is there anything I can do to help with snow and ice operations?
Yes.
- Hay bales or other material that is stored along the north or west right-of-way will cause drifting across the roadway. If the bales were set back 300 feet, they would act as a snow fence and actually help protect the road.
- During severe storms, it is helpful if folks are patient and wait for the snow plow so that abandoned vehicles do not become a big problem. Our operators try to go around those vehicles, but if that is not possible, the vehicle will be moved at the owner's expense to allow our equipment to get through. The county will not be liable for damage unless negligence can be established.
The plow knocked down my mailbox. Will the county replace it?
During wet snows, the plowing operations will often cast snow across the shoulder, which can break the weaker mailbox supports. The county does not replace or repair mailboxes destroyed or damaged during snow removal operations.
Why do they keep plowing my driveway shut?
Unfortunately, this is due to the continuous operation of the plow. It is necessary for the operator to push snow without stopping in order to efficiently remove the snow and complete the route in a timely manner. If we pause to clear each driveway, both momentum and time are lost. Generally the snow is pushed to the south and east so that the removed snow windrow will not act as a snow fence and cause drifting across the roadway with the prevailing northerly and westerly winds.
Why does it take so long to clear snow on gravel roads?
Restoring access on gravel roads is a slow process since the motor graders are not built for speed and a typical route covers from 60-80 miles of road (or 120-160 lane miles) that need to be cleared. If windy conditions result in having to use the V-plows to get through snow drifts, even slower progress will be made. Sometimes after a severe storm it is not possible to reach all homes until the second or third day. Continued windy conditions can result in a road blowing shut shortly after it is opened. Home owners are encouraged to plan accordingly for the winter season.
How do we contact your department?
Our office phone number is 641-684-5425 with regular office hours of 7:00 a.m to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or you can reach us by email at engineer@wapellocounty.org.
As long as roadways are passable, the Secondary Road crew will work regular hours and not work on the weekends. Following a snow storm, we will work overtime hours during the week and the weekend until access has been restored to homes and livestock. Wapello County has an adopted a Snow Ordinance. The Ordinance limits the County's liability and also outlines services that residents can expect during the winter season.
Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
Emergencies (where loss of life is probable, where a serious injury has occurred, or where extensive loss of property is imminent) should be called to the Emergency Management Coordinator 641-814-8333 or 911 dispatcher. The County may respond to an "emergency" either during or after a snowstorm. Our Snow Ordinance has more details on emergencies.
Sheriff and Jail
A train is blocking an intersection in Wapello County. What can I do?
An online form is available to report a blocked crossing. Access it here.
Jail
Are phone calls and visitation different?
Yes. Visitation requires a trip to the Jail by the person that wants to talk to the inmate. Phone calls can be made by inmates at all times that they are not in lockdown.
How do I send an inmate money for commissary items?
The Wapello County Jail does not accept cash or personal checks. You will need to get a money order or cashier's check and send it to that person through the USPS Mail. You can not drop it off at the jail. You can also go to www.Smartdeposit.com or call 1-866-394-0490 and send money by credit card. You can also use the Kiosk located in the Jail Lobby. You can also go to www.westernunion.com or call 1-800-634-3422 to send money via Western Union.
How do the phone calls work?
We use Prodigy for our inmate phone system. The inmates can purchase phone time through their commissary account. Friends and family can also put money on their by calling 1-866-797-5578 or go online at www.inmatesales.com
I need to get fingerprinted for a job or background check, when can I have that done?
Call the Wapello County Jail at 641-684-4350 to make the necessary arrangements. There is a fee to be which can be paid directly to the jail once the fingerprinting is complete.
What if I want my number blocked so I don’t receive calls from the jail?
Call the jail and give them your name and number or you can call Prodigy directly at 1-866-797-5578.
Sheriff
How do I contact a deputy who handled my incident or complaint?
Please call 641-684-4350 and ask for the deputy who you spoke with regarding the incident or complaint. If the deputy is available you may be connected to speak with the deputy. If the deputy is unavailable you will be able to leave a message on that deputies voicemail. You will be contacted as soon as the deputy is available, please remember that our deputies work varying shifts, so the may be on their days off when you call.
How do I get a copy of an incident report or an accident report?
Please call 641-684-4350
and ask for the records custodian and they will be able to assist you. Some charges may apply for records request.
How do I pay a traffic citation?
Tickets can be paid at the Clerk of Court in person, through the mail, or online. The information how to pay is listed on the citation.
How do I pick up recovered property or evidence that has been recovered?
Please call 641-684-4350 and ask to speak with someone for property return. A supervisor will speak with you if available or return your call as soon as possible. Some property may require a court order for return. You must set up an appointment for property return.
How do I request a background check?
Complete criminal history checks are done through the Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI). Forms can be obtained on the Iowa Department of Public Safety DCI website.
