Black Hawk County IA

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

17

  • Your prescription discount card is provided to you free of charge by the county.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • No. Everyone in the family may use the same card if desired.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Yes, if your pet has been prescribed a medication, you may receive a discount on the medication by taking the prescription to a participating retail pharmacy.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Yes, just use your card to start saving immediately. Present your prescription discount card at a participating retail pharmacy when you fill or refill your prescriptions.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Please call toll free at 877-321-2652 to request a replacement.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Not usually. However, discounts are available for many diabetic supplies.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • This plan is not insurance; it is a prescription discount program. The card provides immediate discounts at the pharmacy. Upon presenting your card to the pharmacist, you will pay the lower of a discounted price or the pharmacy’s regular retail price. There are no claim forms to fill out and no limit to the number of times you can use the card. These discounts are available only at participating retail pharmacies.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Your card cannot be used in conjunction with other insurance. However, you are able to use your card to purchase prescriptions that are not covered by these plans.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • The prescription discount card is accepted at 54,000 retail pharmacies nationwide, including many of the leading chains. Ask your local pharmacy if they participate or call toll free at 877-321-2652 to find out if a specific pharmacy participates in the program.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • While savings on each prescription may vary, you can save an average of 20% off of the pharmacy’s regular retail prices for prescription drugs. In addition, you may save even more by choosing from our list of select medications. This list is comprised of products offering additional savings.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Yes. You will receive the best price available to you through this program at the pharmacy. On occasion, pharmacies will price a particular medication lower than the discount rate provided by the card. If that occurs, you will receive the lower price.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Because prices can vary by location, only the actual pharmacy can tell you the exact price of the prescription. However, you can look up an estimated price for medications online or call toll free at 877-321-2652.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Drug prices are different from pharmacy to pharmacy. Even chains have different prices in their stores depending on the population they are servicing. Additionally, manufacturer’s drug prices change periodically.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Because a pharmacy’s retail price or usual and customary charge can differ greatly by pharmacy, your exact percentage of savings may vary depending on the prescription drug and the price you have paid before.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Specialty pharmacy offers delivery of injectable and select oral specialty medication and supplies to the location of your choice. Services include delivery notification and refill reminder calls to help you stay on your treatment plan. You’ll also receive expert care services including counseling, follow up care calls, informative disease-related materials, and access to health experts 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • Medications for a variety of chronic conditions including: -Blood dyscrasia -Crohn’s disease -Cystic fibrosis -Fabry disease -Gaucher disease -Growth hormone deficiency -Hemophilia -Hepatitis C -Immunologic disorders -Infertility -MPS 1 -Multiple sclerosis -Pulmonary hypertension -Respiratory syncytial virus -Rheumatoid arthritis Among these and more are available through specialty pharmacy.
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

  • With the Caremark Mail Service program, you can purchase up to a 90-day supply of select medications from the mail service pharmacy for a fixed price. It’s easy to get started with mail service - just send in the mail service order form, along with your original prescription, to Caremark. For a list of medications available and to receive an order form please call toll free at 877-321-2652 or
    NACo Prescription Drug Discount Card Program

Building Maintenance

2

  • No, Please contact the Building Inspection and Permits office for the city in which you reside. The county contracts with the City of Waterloo for this service for the unincorporated areas of Black Hawk County. Contact them at Waterloo City Hall, 715 Mulberry Street and call 319-291-4319.
    Building Maintenance

  • Please call the Black Hawk County Engineer’s Office at 319-833-3008.
    Building Maintenance

Voting Information

5

  • There are several ways to register to vote:

    • Fill out a voter registration form and mail it to:  Black Hawk County Election Office 316 E 5th Street Waterloo, IA 50703. 
    • Register when you apply for or renew a driver’s license. 
    • Register to vote at the polls on Election Day provided you show proof of identity and residence. 


    For more information, including an online copy of the registration form, please visit the

    Voting Information

  • Any registered voter in Iowa may request to vote their ballot absentee. Absentee is the term used to describe any ballot that is not voted at the polls on Election Day.

    To learn more visit the website for:

    Voting Information

  • All registered voters are mailed a voter identification card listing the voter’s address, precinct name and polling location. 

    If you need to check on the status of your registration, please visit the website below.

    Voting Information

  • Your polling location is listed on your voter identification card. You may also look up your polling location based on your residential address.

    Find your Polling Location using the website link below.

    Voting Information

  • Yes. For information regarding appropriate voter identification visit the Black Hawk County Elections web site.

    Voting Information

Engineer Department

21

  • Black Hawk County has 225 Bridges and approximately 2,500 culverts.

    Engineer Department

  • The County contracts with the City of Waterloo for this service. To obtain a building permit information call Building Inspection at 319-291-4319.
    Engineer Department

  • The right-of-way of the ditch belongs to the County.
    Engineer Department

  • The county is responsible for maintenance. The County Road Superintendent will determine which ditches are to be cleaned and to what extent the cleaning will be done.
    Engineer Department

  • No, there is no burning in any County ditch.
    Engineer Department

  • A buffer strip is an area of land maintained in permanent vegetation that helps to control air, soil, and water quality, along with other environmental problems, dealing primarily on land that is used in agriculture. Buffer strips trap sediment, and enhance filtration of nutrients and pesticides by slowing down runoff that could enter the local surface waters. The root systems of the planted vegetation in these buffers hold soil particles together which alleviate the soil of wind erosion and stabilize stream banks providing protection against substantial erosion and landslides. Farmers can also use buffer strips to square up existing crop fields to provide safety for equipment while also farming more efficiently.
    Engineer Department

  • By planting an agricultural buffer strip to prevent soil erosion.
    Engineer Department

  • While there is no charge for the permit, the cost of the entrance is the property owner's responsibility.
    Engineer Department

  • An application can be obtained on our website under Online Permit Forms: Landowner Permits or by calling the Engineer's Office at 319-833-3008. The completed form must be returned to our office with the landowners signature. The application process will take approximately 10-14 days.
    Engineer Department

  • If the entrance is for a new residence, you must first obtain and address from the Planning and Zoning Commission. They are located at Waterloo City Hall, 715 E Mulberry Street, Waterloo, IA 50703 and can be called at 319-291-4366 between the hours of 8:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Entrance Application permit forms are available on our website under permits or on the link below.
    Engineer Department

  • Dust control is applied by private companies that you can contact yourself. A list of these companies can be obtained by going to our Dust Control page (link below) on our website or by calling the Engineer's office at 319-833-3008. We prepare the road by blading and then issue a permit.
    Engineer Department

  • Dust control applications are paid by the property owner except for special circumstances such as the road being used as a detour. Application of dust control for special circumstances must be approved by the County Engineer prior to application.
    Engineer Department

  • The shoulders are mowed twice in a growing season. Once in May/June and a second time in August/September.
    Engineer Department

  • In the early spring, frost boils appear on the rock roads due to water trapped beneath the crusts. The general practice is to puncture the boil and lay it out to dry. If frost boils occurs in the same area, the boils may have to be excavated and graded, before rock can be placed over them.
    Engineer Department

  • Black Hawk County Secondary Roads maintains 1,534 miles of ditches and 761 miles of roads. We have 522 miles of gravel and 239 miles of paved roads.
    Engineer Department

  • All questions regarding septic tanks should be referred to the Black Hawk County Health Department at 319-291-2413.
    Engineer Department

  • Contact the Black Hawk County Engineer's office either by following the link below or by calling 319-833-3008.

    Engineer Department

  • No, it is the responsibility of the property owners to plow the snow or hire the job done.
    Engineer Department

  • Yes, this creates hazards for the traveling public. You could be sued (not the County) if there were to be an accident because of it.
    Engineer Department

  • Snowplows are usually out between the hours of 5:00 a.m and 5:00 p.m. Plows may be called off the road if snow and blowing reduces visibility enough to create hazardous working conditions.
    Engineer Department

  • Each storm has individual characteristics and must be dealt with accordingly. There is no time limit after a snowstorm in which the roads are to be plowed. Paved roads are done first then the unpaved roads will be plowed as soon as possible.
    Engineer Department

I-Smile

5

  • The I-Smile ™ is a statewide program that helps connect Iowa's children with dental care. The program works to improve the dental care system for families. All across Iowa, dental hygienists serve as I-Smile™ coordinators to assist children and be a resource for physicians, schools, and dental offices. For more information, I-Smile™ website.

    I-Smile

  • I-Smile™ is available to any child who needs help accessing dental care. I-Smile™ also brings together local professionals to improve the dental care system for children in Black Hawk, Bremer, Chickasaw, Delaware and Grundy Counties.

    I-Smile

  • I-Smile™ works to: - Connect families to dentists - Encourage children to begin dental care by age 1 - Help families find dental coverage - Identify dentists accepting Iowa Medicaid coverage - Inform families about the benefits of regular dental care

    I-Smile

  • Healthy teeth help children talk, eat, and smile with confidence. Healthy habits begin early. 6 months after the 1st tooth erupts or by age 1, children should visit a dentist.

    I-Smile

  • To learn more call the I-Smile™ Coordinator at 319-292-2284.

    I-Smile

Job Openings

8

  • Generally applications are only accepted for advertised positions. There are, however, a few positions with Country View Care Facility that we regularly take applications for throughout the year, including: Certified Nursing Assistants, Developmental Aides, and Licensed Practical Nurses. We also accept applications at any time for the position of School Health Assistant (Health Department). Applications for these 4 positions are kept on file for 6 months.
    Job Openings

  • Each application is screened to make sure it is fully completed and to see if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job posting. Human Resources will forward a copy of qualified applications to the appropriate department. Each department will contact applicants they are interested in interviewing when an opening available to external candidates occurs. Depending on the position applied for, you may be required to complete various assessment tests. Should you receive an offer of employment, your offer may be subject to successfully completing a pre-employment physical, drug screen, criminal background check, and/or driving record check. Unsuccessful applicants who interview for a position will be notified by mail when the position has been filled. Note: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for regular full-time or part-time employment with Black Hawk County.
    Job Openings

  • Most positions require a fully completed application, unless otherwise advertised. You are welcome to include a resume with your application if you have one. If you leave portions of the application blank because you are submitting a resume, you may be disqualified from consideration for not following instructions to fully complete the application form.
    Job Openings

  • Deputy Sheriff positions are typically advertised in the Waterloo Courier, Des Moines Register, and the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Notices are also sent to Community Colleges in Iowa. Applications are only accepted during advertised periods. Information regarding where to pick up and return applications, application fees, deadlines, entrance exams and agility tests are included in the advertisement. For more information, you may contact the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office at 319-291-2587 or
    Job Openings

  • To apply for a permanent or seasonal position at Black Hawk Park, Hickory Hills or McFarland Park, you may download an application from this website or stop into our office, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Notices for seasonal position openings are sent to Iowa Workforce Development. To apply for temporary Urban Youth Corps work at the Hartman Reserve Nature Center, you may also download an application from this website or stop into our office. Notices for openings are sent to Iowa Workforce Development, The Boys and Girls Club, and all local high schools. (Seasonal positions are subject to grant funding.) Print and fill out the
    Job Openings

  • Applications are only accepted when a position is advertised. Advertisements will be placed in the Waterloo Courier and posted on our web page. Information about the application process, testing, testing fees, etc. are included in the advertisement. Check out
    Job Openings

  • Internships, Co-ops and seasonal positions are generally coordinated between individual departments and educational institutions such as the University of Northern Iowa or Hawkeye Community College. If you are a student, please check with your Career Services Department or Instructors for possible openings. The County departments that occasionally offer these types of positions include: the Health Department, the Engineer’s Office, and the County Attorney’s Office. Generally, you may submit a resume for these positions.
    Job Openings

  • Fore a listing of positions and departments that are not County positions, check out the
    Job Openings

Veterans Affairs

10

  • Call the VA National call center at 800-827-1000. The regional office is located at; 210 Walnut Street Des Moines, IA 50309
    Veterans Affairs

  • To be considered a “Veteran”, you must have served on federal active duty other than training, and you must have received an “Honorable”, “Under Honorable”, or “General” discharge. The minimum amount of active duty time required varies for different benefits and what time period the Veteran served in. Certain programs require that active duty time was served during a war period. Some VA benefits are based on income, and some are not. And individuals who served in the National Guard or Reserve forces for at least 20 years may also qualify for certain benefits. We encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office to meet with a Veteran Service Officer by calling 319-291-2512 to discuss your personal circumstances and find out what benefits you may qualify for.
    Veterans Affairs

  • Call the Disabled American Veterans van at 319-486-2158. Rides are scheduled between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. This service is coordinated by the

    Veterans Affairs

  • The phone number is 319-235-1230.  
    The Waterloo VA Outpatient Clinic is located at: 
    4000 University Avenue, Suite 100, Waterloo. 
    Office hours are 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday- Friday.

    Veterans Affairs

  • - Des Moines VA Hospital Phone: 800-294-8387 - Iowa City VA Hospital Phone: 800-637-0128.
    Veterans Affairs

  • The Iowa Veterans Home is located at: 1301 Summit Street Marshalltown, IA 50158 Call 800-645-4591 for admissions information.
    Veterans Affairs

  • The Commission meets once a month, generally the 1st Wednesday of the month at 4:00 p.m. You can call the office at 391-291-2512 for their next scheduled meeting.

    Veterans Affairs

  • · County Veterans Affairs or Recorders Offices: If you have ever filed a copy of your DD-214 at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs or Recorders office, you may request a copy by going to that office in person. If you filed this in another county, you will need to contact that county office to inquire about obtaining a copy. · Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs: If you were a resident of Iowa at the time of your discharge, you may contact the IDVA (1-800-838-4692) to find out if it’s on file and request a copy. If you were a resident of another state, you will need to contact that state’s Department of Veterans Affairs. · National Personnel Records Center: you may submit your request online by going to the website www.archives.gov and following the directions
    Veterans Affairs

  • Property Tax Exemption: This is a statewide benefit that reduces a veteran’s assessed home value for property tax purposes by $4,000. To qualify, a service member must have served on active duty during a period of war or for a minimum of 18 months during peacetime. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits. · Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit: This statewide benefit provides 100% exemption of property taxes for 100% disabled service-connected veterans and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits.

    Veterans Affairs

  • Attached is a document that explains the process.

    Veterans Affairs

Domestic Violence

13

  • Domestic violence occurs when a person uses physical or psychological abuse, threats, intimidation, or harassment to control another person in a family, dating, household.

    Domestic Violence

  • You may file charges if the abuser's acts constitute a crime. You also may request an order of protection and seek help from one of various agencies that offer free or low-cost services to victims of domestic violence. Contact the County Attorney's Office at 319-833-3001 for more information.

    Domestic Violence

  • It is an order prohibiting the abuser from threatening or harassing you. It also may grant you temporary possession of your children and your home.

    Domestic Violence

  • You qualify if the abuser is your spouse, ex-spouse, or anyone else to whom you are related by marriage or prior marriage. You also qualify if the abuser is someone with whom you have had a child, with whom you live or have lived.
    Domestic Violence

  • Contact the police immediately and ask them to make out a report. Depending on the circumstances, the police may arrest the abuser. If no arrest is made, ask the police to explain how you can begin the criminal process or contact the County Attorney’s Office at 319-833-3001 to arrange an appointment.

    Domestic Violence

  • You will be interviewed by a member of the County Attorney’s staff and if it appears that a crime has occurred, a prosecutor will file charges and bring your complaint before a Judge, usually the same day. If you qualify for an emergency order of protection, it will be issued then. The Judge also may order the abuser’s arrest or issue a summons for the abuser to appear in court. It is very important that you come to court on the date that the abuser is scheduled to appear.
    Domestic Violence

  • The order of protection that you obtain at your initial court appearance usually will last up to 1 year or until otherwise modified by the Judge.

    Domestic Violence

  • Call the 911 immediately. The abuser may be arrested and charged with the additional offense of violating the order of protection. It is a good idea to keep a copy of the order in a safe place so you can show it to the police in case of a violation.

    Domestic Violence

  • Criminal penalties vary depending on the specific charges and circumstances. Sentences may include probation, Better Education Program (BEP), court supervision, community service, counseling, or a jail or prison.
    Domestic Violence

  • To drop a No Contact Order, go to the Clerk of Court on the 1st floor of the Black Hawk County Courthouse,  316 E 5th Street 1st Floor Waterloo, IA to submit a request to modify or drop the order. The judge will review, and determine if a hearing is needed.

    Domestic Violence

  • To meet with a judge, go to the Clerk of Court on the 1st floor of the Black Hawk County Courthouse,  316 E 5th Street 1st Floor Waterloo, IA to submit a request to the Judge for review.

    Domestic Violence

  • Contact the Domestic Abuse Response Team: 715 Mulberry Street Waterloo, IA 50703 Phone: 319-291-4331 Contact the Batterer's Education Program: P.O. Box 1725 Dubuque, IA 52004 Phone: 800-485-8151 or 319-485-8151 Visit the County Attorney's Office in person at: 316 E 5th Street B-1 Waterloo, IA 50703 Or visit 

    Domestic Violence

  • Always call 911 in the event of an emergency.
    Domestic Violence

Health Department

5

  • Follow the steps on the

    Health Department

  • Visit the Black Hawk County Public Health STI/HIV Testing page for details

    Health Department

  • The Iowa DNR has a website devoted to topics for private well water users.

    Health Department

  • Call Black Hawk County Public Health at 319-291-2413 to schedule an appointment. For more details about the private well water program visit

    Health Department

  • We are located in the Pinecrest Building. Click here for the

    Health Department

Real Estate

1

  • • Black Hawk County Property Tax Grant: This one-time grant of up to $600 is offered to assist Black Hawk County resident active duty personnel who have been deployed/mobilized since September 11, 2001 under Title 10, U.S.C. in paying their property taxes. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs office. • Property Tax Exemption: This is a statewide benefit that reduces a veteran’s assessed home value for property tax purposes by $1,850. In order to qualify, a service member must have served on active duty during a period of war or for a minimum of 18 months during peacetime. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits. • Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Credit: This is a statewide benefit that provides 100% exemption of property taxes for 100% disabled service-connected veterans and Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) recipients. Applications are available at the Black Hawk County Veterans Affairs and Assessors offices, or go to https://va.iowa.gov/benefits for a link to this application and other Iowa Veterans benefits.
    Real Estate

  1. Black Hawk County Iowa Homepage


Contact Us

  1. 316 East 5th Street
    Waterloo, IA 50703
    Phone: 319-833-3000
    Email

Helpful Numbers

  1. Board of Supervisors……....319-833-3072
    Assessor’s Office..………..……319-833-3006
    Attorney’s Office………………..319-833-3001
    Auditor’s Office……………….…319-833-3002
    Recorder’s Office……….………319-833-3012
    Treasurer’s Office……….……...319-833-3013

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