News and Announcements

Conservation News
Invasive Buy Back Program
Polk County Conservation is implementing a Callery (Bradford) Pear and Burning Bush “buy-back” program for residents of Polk County, Iowa.
County Attorney News
Des Moines man pleads guilty to manslaughter for attack at jail
Because the defendant is a habitual offender, he faces up to 15 years in prison when he is sentenced at a later date. He also pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit serious injury for injuring a different inmate shortly before assaulting Mr. Clark on June 23, 2023.

County Recorder News
View Real Estate Records in Polk County
You can view and print Real Estate records in Polk County online by visiting: https://landrecords.polkcountyiowa.gov/LandRecords/protected/SrchQuickName.aspx View all records from 1992 to today.
County Attorney News
Jury convicts man of first-degree murder in hotel slaying
Video evidence showed that the defendant kicked in the door and entered Ms. Looney’s hotel room at 4:25 a.m. Seven seconds later, Mr. Propps staggered out of the room and collapsed in the hallway, the video showed. Mr. Carmody was shot 11 times during the incident.
County Attorney News
Des Moines man convicted of first-degree murder in shooting of Loffredo
James Bernard Johnson said he felt disrespected and admitted he fired a handgun four times from his Tahoe, claiming he fired at the ground to frighten her.

County Recorder News
Real ID and Your Birth Certificate
The deadline to get your REAL ID (gold star) is May 7, 2025. Click here for more information.

Treasurer News
3 Things to Know when Transferring a Vehicle Title
When ownership of a vehicle changes, the title must be transferred to the new owner. To learn more about the process, go to the Polk County Treasurer’s Office website.
Election News
Historical Election Results & Data Research
Past Election Results and Data Research
County Attorney News
Man sentenced to up to 30 years in prison for choking girlfriend
Cooper had previously been convicted of domestic abuse assault on at least two previous occasions, in Illinois and Minnesota, as well as other charges (including at least two prior felonies) in other states.

County Attorney News
Des Moines man sentenced to 50 years in prison for stabbing woman
“Alyssa was a sweet loving child with a good heart. She never knew a stranger,” her mother said. “She was always wanting to help others, often putting others before herself, to her detriment most times, sadly."

County Attorney News
Teen sentenced up to 30 years in prison for 15-year-old's fatal fentanyl overdose
William Pippins was going into his sophomore year at Hoover High School, “where he was looking forward to continuing to show his talents on the football field,” according to his obituary.

Treasurer News
Options Available for Completing a Title Transfer
Customers may submit information by U.S. Mail, private shipping service, drop box, or scheduling an in-person appointment to complete a title transfer.
County Attorney News
Des Moines man sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing friend while driving drunk
"He was taken from us because of someone’s reckless decision, by someone who knew better,” said one of Parreh Ngar's daughters.

Treasurer News
3 Things to Know About Online Property Tax Payments
Polk County Treasurer’s Office reminds residents that property tax payments are due March 31 and September 30 each year. Use the online payment system to complete the process. It’s easy, convenient and secure.
Treasurer News
Locate Property Tax and Vehicle Fee Payments for Income Taxes
Looking for information for your annual income tax reporting? You may find it here.
Board of Supervisors News
Publication of Budget Materials
Polk County will hold a public hearing on 3/25/2025 at 9:25am to determine the maximum amount of tax dollars to be collected in the upcoming fiscal year.
Election News
Special Election - March 4, 2025 - Results/Canvass
Special School Elections - Tuesday, March 4th Dallas Center-Grimes/North Polk/Saydel Community School Districts Election Results, Audit, and Canvass
Property Tax News
School, County and City Budget Year Statement to Taxpayers
If you have received a Budget Year Statement, and have questions, click on the link below which takes you to a Citizen Property Tax Guide on the Iowa Department of Management’s website.

Property Tax News
Real Estate Atlas
Single point access to Auditor information and links to other Polk County departments.
Community and Family News
Polk County to Enhance Services for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs
Polk County, Iowa, in association with the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund (CFE Fund), announced today that they have been selected to participate in the Small Business Boost (SBB) Initiative.

Treasurer News
Appointments Highly Recommended for All Services - Required for Title Transfer
Appointments save time and are given priority.

County Sheriff News
*NEW* Polk County Sheriff's Office Data Analytics Dashboard
Introducing the all NEW statistical data dashboard. Polk County Sheriff Kevin J. Schneider is proud to announce the launch of the Polk County Jail Data Dashboard. This dashboard provides the public a monthly view of certain population trends within the Polk County Jail.

County Recorder News
Appointments are Required To Get a Passport
Need to apply for a Passport? Then you need to make an appointment with our office. Call 515-286-3160 and we can help you out. We do not accept walk-ins. Appointments are also available thru your local Post Office. Click on read more below for other options.