News and Announcements
Conservation News
Monitoring Water Quality at Easter Lake
During the summer recreation season, Polk County Conservation staff are regularly monitoring the water in Easter Lake, taking samples weekly for testing. Every week on Thursday or Friday, weekly results will be posted here.
Health Department News
Pilot project launched to provide early detection of Alzheimer’s and dementia in Latino community
Through the pilot, Community Health Workers have been trained to provide educational sessions and early detection screenings at community-based organizations.
County Recorder News
Holiday Hours
The Office will be closed on the following days: Labor Day - Sept 2nd | Veterans Day - Nov 11th | Thanksgiving Nov 28th & 29th | Christmas Dec 24th & 25th
Board of Supervisors News
Polk County Begins Solar Power Installation on Facilities
Des Moines, IA- On Tuesday, Polk County Supervisors approved funding for the first phase of the installation of solar panels on county-owned buildings.
Board of Supervisors News
Polk County Distributes Opioid Settlement Funds
Polk County will distribute almost $1,000,000 in county opioid settlement funds to five organizations over two years to provide supports for people with lived experience of substance use.
Election News
Historical Election Results & Data Research
Past Election Results and Data Research
Treasurer News
Polk County Treasurer’s Office Closed July 4
Payment options are available when the office is closed.
Conservation News
Flooding Closures 2024
Recent heavy rain has caused flooding at various sites across Polk County Parks.
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.
Election News
Polk County - General Election
Presidential General Election Tuesday, November 5 Polls Open 7:00a - 8:00p
Treasurer News
June is National Homeownership Month
Eligible homeowners reminded of Polk County tax relief programs.
County Attorney News
Man sentenced to 30 years in prison for fatal Thanksgiving Day crash
“We have nightmares of the horrific way Connie died,” a family member told the court. “Our family will never be able to celebrate Thanksgiving again.”
County Attorney News
Des Moines man sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexual assault, burglary
"We can’t keep Polk County safe without people like you, who have the courage to tell the truth,” County Attorney Kimberly Graham told the child who was assaulted.
Emergency Management News
FEMA DRC -Pleasant Hill
A Disaster Recovery Center will now open in Pleasant Hill June 5 thru June 8
Health Department News
National Safety Month: Promoting Health and Safety in June
In recognition of National Safety Month, the Polk County Health Department is promoting ways to prevent injuries, reduce risks and stay safe throughout the month of June.
Treasurer News
Polk County Treasurer’s Office Hours have Changed
Hours of operation for the Polk County Treasurer’s Office are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. effective June 3, 2024.
Conservation News
Construction Roundup: Summer Projects
This summer Polk County Conservation Parks are getting upgrades! As the temperature increases, stay informed on all the projects and closures happening in the parks.
Emergency Management News
Governor Reynolds Disaster Proclamation For Polk County Due To 5/20 and Ongoing Storms
The Governor's Proclamation makes state resources available to assist in response and recovery, and activates grant programs to affected, qualified, low income residents.
Treasurer News
Polk County Property Tax Sale is June 17
The 2024 Polk County property tax sale will be conducted June 17, 2024, using an online bidding process. The complete listing of properties will be published in the Altoona Herald on June 5, 2024.
Treasurer News
Eligible Citizens Reminded to Apply for Property Tax Credit Program by June 1
The Senior and Disabled Property Tax Credit program provides property tax relief to elderly homeowners and homeowners with disabilities. Eligible persons must be 65 or older, or totally disabled, and meet annual income requirements.
Emergency Management News
SBA Ready to Assist Following April 26 Tornado
Low-interest SBA disaster loans are now available to businesses and residents. Rates can be as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
Emergency Management News
Disaster Assistance Available - April 26 Tornado
If you sustained losses from the April 26th storms you can begin applying for assistance by calling 1-800-621-3362. The helpline operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., 7 days a week. Other options include registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov or downloading the FEMA app.
Treasurer News
Polk County Treasurer’s Office Hours to Change
Hours of operation for the Polk County Treasurer’s Office will change to 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. effective June 3, 2024 for all services. Customers are encouraged to make note of this change.