The City of Boone, Iowa

Welcome to the City of Boone!  Whether you are just visiting, looking for a new hometown, or have long-established roots, Boone beckons with boundless opportunities.  Explore our distinctive natural wonders, benefit from an exceptional school system, and access top-notch healthcare services at our outstanding rural hospital.  All this and more in a remarkably safe community.  It's all waiting for you in Boone, the heart of Central Iowa. - Mayor Stines.

Office of the City Administrator

City Administrator / Public Safety Director: Ondrea Elmquist

The City Administrator is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City.  The primary duties of the City Administrator is to enforce and execute or refer to the proper official for compliance of all operational policies, resolutions, ordinances, laws, that the council and mayor direct. 

The City Administrator has the general responsibility to supervise and to provide direction of the following departments:  

• Administration
• Building
• Clerk
• Finance 
• Fire
• Police
• Public Works
• Utility Billing
• Water and Sewer Utilities

Click Here for on-line Administration Applications, Forms, and Permits.

Click Here for all Administration Applications, Forms, and Permits.

Boone Municipal Airport is located on the east edge of town, approximately two miles from downtown Boone and one mile north of US Highway 30. Ames, home to Iowa State University, is 15 miles to the east and Des Moines, Iowa’s capitol and largest city, is 40 miles to the south. Ames and Des Moines are linked to Boone by four-lane highways.

The Boone Municipal Airport is a public airport located within the city limits of Boone, Iowa. The airport is owned by the City of Boone and managed by Farnham Aviation Services, LLC. While the airport is primarily utilized by general aviation aircraft, it is also frequently used for corporate jets and spray planes. Its primary runway is 4,807 feet in length. Army National Guard helicopter operations are also located at the Boone airport. Galen Wiley Field, Boone’s airfield is named in honor of native son Galen Wiley, who piloted 36 missions behind enemy lines during WWII with the 305^th Bomb Group, 8^th Army Air Force. Approximately 50 aircraft are based at this field.

Staff Directory:

Bob Jones, Chief A&P IA Mechanic

Randy Tarlton, A&P IA Mechanic

Lucas Wiste, CFI-ASE Flight Instructor

Building Official - Dave Ades

Administrative Assistant - Kari Frost

The Building Code

Building codes have evolved over many years as a way to insure that construction projects yield safe and reliable structures. The State Building Code recognizes the International Code Council as the source of standards for construction projects in Iowa.

Building Department Permits

Building Permits are required for all construction in Boone except for replacement of small sections of non-critical items. Permits are not required for re-roofing (shingling), siding, windows, and any structure less than 120 square feet. Structures less than 120 square feet are still required to meet all applicable setbacks for the zoning district. Licensed contractors are required to pull permits for Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing work they perform. Building code standards are the same for contractors and homeowners alike.

Click Here for on-line Building, Demolition, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Permit Applications

Click Here for printable Building, Demolition, Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Permit Applications.

For more information, please call our office or send us an email.

Linwood Park Cemetery Contacts: 

• Mike Cornelis 
• Cherie Angstrom

Cleanup Linwood Cemetery

When: Spring Cleanup starts 1st Monday in April 

Spring cleanup starts first Monday in April at the Linwood Cemetery in Boone. Residents with items at the Cemetery should collect these before the cleanup begins. Please follow this rule accordingly.

When: Fall Cleanup starts 2nd Monday in November

Fall cleanup will commence on the second Monday each year in November. At that time all arrangements will be removed from graves. In addition, all vases will be inverted and placed into bases. Anyone wishing to have arrangements in vases after that date will do so at their own risk. Christmas wreaths may be placed on graves one week prior to Thanksgiving. In the event of accumulating snow prior to the second Monday in November, cleanup will be done at that time.

Memorial Day Flowers

Decorations are allowed on gravesites for 5 days before and 5 days after the observed (Monday holiday) of Memorial Day each year. After which time cemetery employees will collect and dispose of them. Glass flower containers are prohibited. During the mowing season flowers are allowed ONLY in permanently installed vases or urns. If flowers are not attended to regularly they will be removed. The Cemetery will not be responsible for anything deposited or growing on lots, that may be damaged, lost or stolen or any receptacle or monument that may be broken. (see rules and regulations 8 & 9) amendment per Park Commission action July 14, 2014

Boone County Cemeteries:

Map and list of Boone County Cemeteries

ONLINE DATABASE 

City of Boone now offers residents the opportunity to search the Linwood Park Cemetery database online. This new program allows residents the ability to search the cemetery database and view the location of gravesites on a map. People may search by last name of deceased or owner of the burial plot. This database is updated with the latest information that is available to City Staff. If you have questions on how to navigate the program, please call 515-432-4211 x 1406 and staff will be happy to assist you.

To get started, click this link: Linwood Park Cemetery

Rules and Regulations

*Rules and Regulations see tab at the bottom of page or for further information contact the cemetery at 515-432-4211 x 1406

Rules for Visitors:

Visitors are reminded that the cemetery grounds are sacredly devoted to the interment of the dead, and that a strict observance of the decorum which should be observed in such a place will be required.

1. Open hours are sunrise to sunset.
2. No dogs or horses are allowed on cemetery grounds.
3. Decorations are allowed on gravesites for 5 days before and 5 days after the observed (Monday holiday) of Memorial Day of each year. After which time cemetery employees will collect and dispose of them. Glass flower containers are prohibited. During the mowing season flowers are allowed only in permanently installed vases and urns. If flowers are not attended to regularly they will be removed. The Cemetery will not be responsible for anything deposited or growing on lots, that may be damaged, lost or stolen, or any receptacle or monument that may be broken. (See rules and regulations 7 & 8)
4. Automobiles, trucks, or other vehicles must not be driven at a speed exceeding ten miles an hour. Vehicles must not turn in any of the drives, and care must be observed not to get off the roadways. Snowmobiles and ATV's are prohibited from the cemetery.
5. All persons are prohibited from writing upon, defacing, or injuring any monument, marker, or any structure, in or belonging to the cemetery.
6. Persons with firearms will not be admitted to the grounds, except when participating at military funerals, Memorial Day Ceremony, and Veteran's Day Ceremony.
7. Any person disturbing the quiet and good order of the place by noise, or other improper conduct, will be compelled to leave the grounds.
8. All persons are prohibited from injuring any shrub, tree, or plant in any part of the cemetery or picking wild or cultivated flowers.

Historical Information 

Linwood Cemetery (now known as "West Division" section) was founded June 9, 1866, and the original plot was purchased from McFarland and Hull. Lots 341 and 372 were platted on July 28, 1880, and added to the original tract and was purchased from Bascomb.

The second addition was added November 18, 1892, and consisted of Lots 1 to 23 along the east line of the Chicago & Northwestern Railway and Lots 24 to 61 south of the original plat and was known as the "Stevens Addition.'

On July 25, 1895, a corporation, called "East Linwood Cemetery Association," was formed to establish and develop a cemetery east of the creek and providing for a permanent care fund. The land for the new cemetery was purchased from Goodykoontz, Herman, and Wright.

On July 19, 1912, a new corporation was formed to take over both of the above cemeteries and place the whole under permanent care and this was done and called "Linwood Park Cemetery Association."

A new addition was opened for sale of lots October 1, 1963, located south of the East Linwood section consisting of about twelve acres of land with a wide circular hard surfaced roadway through the section giving access to all lots therein. This new area is divided into VIII Gardens, and is known as Linwood Park Garden Section. Except as to Garden V, Second Addition, the area is a memorial area. Garden V, Second Addition, is on the west side of this area and will be a monument section, the remainder of the area is a memorial section and is governed by the same rules as set out for the Memorial Park Sections H, I, and J in the East Linwood Area. This new area is to be developed with appropriate shrubbery, cedar trees, and other types of trees and plantings.

• On July 1, 1992, the cemetery operations were taken over by the City of Boone.
• The gateway was presented by Charles Mason in June 1920.
• The foundation was presented by S. R. Dyer in September 1921.
• The office building was presented by J. H. Riekenberg in May 1939.
• So far as the records show, the first burial in Linwood Cemetery was Lydia Lockwood on October 14, 1855, on Lot 21, West Division.

The following gives the date of the first interment in each of the several sections of the east division of Linwood Park Cemetery:

The cemetery lot and burial records are all made in duplicate, one set is kept at the cemetery office, in charge of the superintendent, the other at the office of the Boone City Clerk.

Linwood Park Cemetery Rules and Regulations

Linwood Park Cemetery Lot Prices and Fees

Linwood Park Cemetery Columbarium Prices

The Council consists of seven (7) Council Members; two (2) Council Members are elected at large and one Council Member from each of the five (5) wards are elected for overlapping terms of four (4) years.  

The Council’s main responsibilities include:  

• Appropriating all funds; audit, approve and order payments of invoices, bank accounts, payroll and claims
• Make all assessments for the cost of street improvements, sidewalks, sewers and other work, improvements or repairs
• Authorize the execution of all contracts

Meeting Schedule: 

• The Council meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. on the second floor of the City Hall.

Past City Council Meetings may be viewed on the City of Boone's YouTube Channel.

Boone offers a number of options for a business or industry seeking to locate in central Iowa. We have a strong public/private relationship in the arena of economic development. The City of Boone and Ames Economic Development Commission work hand in hand to help prospective businesses find the best options for their location.

There are a variety of incentives and tools available including:

• Interest Rate Buy-Downs on Major Capital Investments
• Forgivable Loans
• Financial Grants
• Land Areas can be Gifted
• On-the-Job Training Resources
• Contact/Coordination Service with Local Authorities
• Continued Support after Expansion
• Local Property Tax Abatement

Welcome to the Engineering Department

Information coming soon.

For more information about our services provided, please contact our office. 

Central Business Office - City Finance

The Finance Department oversees all revenue collections and expenditure payments for the annual 21 million dollar budget.

Other duties provided by this department include:

• General Customer Service for the City
• Financial Reporting
• Payroll
• Human Service
• Record Retention

City Finance Records: 

• Budgets
• Capital Improvement Plans (CIP)
• Policies
• Audits

Boone Fire Department

Employment

The Boone Fire Department is accepting applications for Part-time and Paid-on-Call positions.

Full-Time Firefighters

A-Shift

B-Shift

C-Shift

Part-Time Firefighters

EMS-Only

Paid On Call Firefighters 

The Mayor acts as the Chief Executive Officer of the City and Presiding Officer of the Council.

Other Duties include:

• Supervises all Departments of the City (except for supervisory duties delegated to the City Administrator)
• Gives direction to department heads concerning the functions of the departments
• Has the power to examine all functions of the municipal departments, their records and to call for special reports from department heads at any time

Park Contact Information

Mission Statement

The Boone City Park Commission is dedicated to provide facilities and promote ideas that allow all people to enjoy their leisure time in a safe and healthy environment.

It is my Pleasure to Welcome you to the City of Boone’s Police Department  

The officers of the Boone Police Department proudly serve the citizens and visitors of the City of Boone.

Our services include:

• Patrol
• Criminal Investigations
• Unmanned Aerial Systems
• School Resource Officer
• Vacation House Checks
• Various Educational Programs such as alcohol and tobacco compliance, fraud and identity theft prevention classes.
• Citizen's Police Academy

The accomplishments of the Boone Police Department are directly related to the support and participation of its citizens. Without it, we would be unable to reach our goal of public safety. The employees of the police department thank each citizen for their continued support. We value your comments and input.

If you would like to contact me, my e-mail address is jwiebold@booneiowa.gov.

Sincerely,
Police Chief Wiebold

Boone Police Officers are available 24 hours each day, seven days a week by contacting the Boone County Dispatch Center (911 or 515-433-0527) or by going to the Boone County Law Enforcement Center at 1019 West Mamie Eisenhower Ave and using the intercom system to contact a dispatcher.

Click Here to submit an Anonymous Crime Tip. 

Staff:

After Hours Emergency Contact Comp Center at 515-433-0527.

Public Works 2019 Yearly Report

Landlord Resources: 

• Registration Instructions
• Rental Inspection Guide
• Rental Unit Registration
  • Google Chrome is the recommended browser for the Rental Unit Registration Sign-up. 
• Appeal Variance Notice
• Rental Appeal Form
• Fee Schedule 

Tenant Resources:

• Complaint Form

Other Resources: 

• City of Boone Rental Code
• State of Iowa Uniform Tenant Landlord Law: To simplify, clarify, modernize and revise the law governing the rental of dwelling units and the rights and obligations of landlord and tenant; and to encourage landlord and tenant to maintain and improve the quality of housing. 

Utility Billing provides billing services for the citizens of Boone for their water, sewer, stormwater, and solid waste services.

New Service and Leak Protection 

• Application for Start / Stop / Transfer Service
• Resolution 2085 Establishing Rates - Leak Protection Program
• Leak Protection Ordinance 
• Process for Making a Claim
• Process for Determination of Coverage
• Leak Protection Claim Form
• FAQs

City Water

Water Service Disconnection Policy: 

If your water service has been terminated you are required to do the following to reinstate your service. 

Pay the total amount owed including your past due amount, current bill and re-connection fee, bill must be paid by secure means (cash, money order, or cashiers check), service shall remain off until the next business day, failure to maintain prearranged payment plan constitutes delinquency and will result in immediate termination of service.

City Water Rates

City Sewer

Sewer Rate Increase (2023)

The City of Boone has received a mandate from the State of Iowa (DNR) to pursue sanitary sewer improvements. The projects are mandates from the state and federal government (IDNR and EPA). The City of Boone is diligently working to complete the mandates while striving to provide growth and development within our corporate limits. Our ultimate goal is to continue to provide effective services for our citizens while maintaining taxing rates.

In the not to distant past Boone confronted rain events in excess of those logged in 1993. Those heavy rain events left a number of citizens with flooded basements. Based on engineering research it has been concluded that problems arose due to infiltration of rainwater into our sanitary sewer coupled with an outdated/undersized sewer main. Some of our main infrastructure is over 70 years of age. To address this we are pursuing a rapid system repair with multiple phases with a total construction estimate of $17 million. We are also pursuing water infrastructure improvements estimated at $5 million. The water improvements are designed to increase flow and pressure to provide adequate fire protection to all segments of our community.

The City has taken action to have a "rate study" completed for water and sewer rates. The results of this study, along with future infrastructure projects, will guide future water and sewer rates.

Sewer Rates

If you have questions that have not been addressed, please call City Hall at 515-432-4211 and we will do our best to address your concerns. 

The City of Boone provides water and wastewater treatment to local citizens and some areas beyond corporate limits.

Municipal Band Concerts at Herman Park the 2024 season

Weekly Concerts 

Dates: every Wednesday from the last Wed. in May through July 17, 2024
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Herman Park Pavilion
Goodies: Ice Cream Social before and during each concert 

Iowa Municipal Band Festival 
Saturday, July 13, 2024 Herman Park Pavilion, Boone Iowa

Fourth of July - The Concert for this week will be moved to Thursday, July 4th, there will be no concert on Wednesday July 3rd.

Donations can be made to:
Boone Municipal Band
C/O Chelsea Truckenmiller
1875 270th St.
Madrid, IA 50156

Boone Municipal Band
Municipal Band Director - Chris Truckenmiller

Brief History of the Boone Municipal Band

R.A. Wilder started a band in Boone, Iowa in 1908. In January of 1917 the Wilder Concert Band was renamed the Boone Municipal Band, so the official beginning of the Municipal Band is 1917. The Herman Park Pavilion, where the band currently performs, was also built and dedicated on July 4, 1917. In 1941 the band incorporated under the Iowa Band Law, a law that made it legal to assess a tax to support a community band. That law was passed in Boone by a vote of the residents. The band continues to be supported financially by the city of Boone. Annually the City dedicates $9,600.

In 1992, the stage was built at the Herman Park Pavilion. Art and Betty Herman donated $10,000 for the building of the stage, which was dedicated on July 4, 1992. One week later the 1st annual Iowa Municipal Band Festival was held at the Pavilion with five bands performing: Ames, Newton, Marshalltown, Hampton and Boone. This band festival is a one-of¬-a-kind festival in Iowa. Boone was approved by the Iowa Legislature as the host for the Iowa Municipal Band Festival in 1992. 2013 marks the 22nd year for the Festival.

In 2013 there are 58 members of the Boone Municipal Band. They perform every Wednesday from the last Wed. in May until the next to last Wed. in July. They also host and perform at the Iowa Municipal Band Festival the 2nd Sat. in July and perform at other community and area events. In 2005, they traveled to Neustadt, Germany to perform at a Festival.

The Boone Municipal Band was directed by Dave Richardson for 39 years from 1979 to 2017.  On January 1, 2018 Chris Truckenmiller became the  new band director.