FAQ

Below, find helpful answers to questions you have about Prairie City. For questions not addressed on this page, contact City Hall at 515-994-2649.

Parks and Recreation

Q. How can I reserve an open shelter or rent the Community Building?
A. Contact City Hall at 515-994-2649. For rental rates, visit our Parks and Recreation page.

Public Works

 Q. I just moved to town. Who do I contact to set up my water service?
A. Contact City Hall at 515-994-2649. Click here for more information about Prairie City’s water service. 

Q. Who do I contact to set up my garbage service?
A. Contact City Hall at 515-994-2649. Click here for more information about Prairie City’s garbage collection service. 

Q. Who do I contact to set up my electric and gas?
A. MidAmerican Energy provides electricity and gas for Prairie City. Click here for more information. 

Q. Does Prairie City offer recycling?
A. Yes. Click here for more information. 

Q. When is garbage picked up? Is there a limit to the number of garbage cans I can set out?
A. Garbage collection is scheduled for every Wednessday. Click here for more information about Prairie City’s garbage collection service.

Q. I have an old couch I need to get rid of. What do I do with it?
A. Residents are allowed to put one bulk item out with their city-issued garbage container each week.  If you have more than one item, you need to purchase a sticker for the extra item(s) through City Hall.  For more information about Prairie City’s garbage collection service, click here.

Q. How do I get rid of old refrigerators or appliances?
A. You will need to purchase Waste Management stickers through City Hall.  Appliance pickup can be arranged at the time you purchase the stickers.

Q. How do I get rid of yard waste?
A. Prairie City offers a yard waste collection service. For more information, click here.

Licenses, Permits, Registration, Etc. 

Q. Do I need a building permit?
A. Contact City Hall with all questions regarding building permits.

Q. I want to plant a tree (or dig a hole). Who should I call?
A. Please contact Iowa One Call at 811 or 1-800-292-8989 at least 48 hours in advance. They will schedule to locate all power lines, cables, and water and sewer lines. If you plan to plant the tree in a City Right of Way, contact City Hall for a street tree permit.

Q. How do I get a license for my pet?
A. Pets over the age of six months need to be licensed. City Hall issues pet licenses that can be renewed annually. Licenses are $10, and a copy of your pet’s rabies certificate is required. Licenses are due between January 1st and April 1st of each year. There is an additional $10 penalty after April 1st.

Q. Where can I get my driver’s license?
A. Driver’s licenses are issued at the Jasper County Treasurer’s Office in Newton, or at the Department of Transportation offices in Des Moines.

Q. Where do I register my vehicle?
A. Vehicle registration is issued at the Jasper County Treasurer’s Office in Newton.

Q. Where do I get birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, hunting and fishing licenses, and boat, ATV, and snowmobile registration?
A. These are issued through the Jasper County Recorder’s Office in Newton.

 Voting 

Q. Where can I register to vote?
A. Voter registration forms may be picked up at City Hall, or you can contact the Jasper County Auditor’s Office in Newton.

Q.  Where do I vote?
A. Voting is typically held at the Community Building at 503 S. State Street.

Community Resources 

Q. Does Prairie City have a local newspaper?
A. Yes. You can contact the PCM Explorer at 641-792-3121.

Q.  Are there any service organizations in Prairie City?
A. Prairie City has a Lions Club, T.T.T., P.E.O., Preston Masonic Lodge, Garden Club, and many church-affiliated organizations.

Q. Where do I register my children for school?
A. Contact the Central Office of the Prairie City-Monroe Community School District at
515-994-8222 or visit www.pcmschools.org.

Q. Who do I call for cable television service?
A. Mediacom is the cable provider in Prairie City. Charls TV in Prairie City also offers satellite television through DISH Network. Contact Charls TV at 515-994-2259.

Q. Who can I contact for Internet service?
A. Internet is available through Mediacom, Rise Broadband, or CenturyLink.

Q. Who can I contact for telephone service?
A. Telephone service is available through Mediacom or CenturyLink.

Q. Do the police unlock vehicles?
A. With the exception of emergency situations, the Prairie City Police Department does not unlock vehicles.

Q. What kinds of regulations are there on dogs and cats?
A. All pets are required to be licensed and under their owner’s control at all times. Pets should be on a leash or confined in a home or yard.  A residence is allowed a maximum of five dogs and cats over the age of six months, provided that no more than three of the animals are dogs.

Q. What could cause a water bill to be higher than normal?
A. Leaking faucets or toilets can cause an increase in your water bill. To check water leaks in your toilet, add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank during a period of time that the toilet will not be used. If food coloring shows up in the bowl, you have a leak and will need to make a repair.