Iowa § 331.238 - 331.238 Limitations to alternative forms of county government.

Full text of Iowa Iowa Code § 331.238 — 331.238 Limitations to alternative forms of county government., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 331.238. 331.238 Limitations to alternative forms of county government.

1. A county may adopt or amend an alternative form of county government subject to the requirements and limitations provided in this section. 2. a. An alternative form of county government shall provide for the exercise of home rule power and authority not inconsistent with state law and may include provisions for any of the following: (1) A board of an odd number of members which may exceed the number of members specified in sections 331.201, 331.203, and 331.204. (2) A supervisor representation plan for the county which may differ from the supervisor representation plans as provided in subchapter II, part 1. (3) The initial compensation for members of the board which, thereafter, shall be determined as provided in section 331.215. (4) The method of selecting officers of the board and fixing their terms of office which may differ from the requirements of sections 331.208 through 331.211. (5) Determining meetings of the board and rules of procedure which may differ from the requirements of section 331.213, except the meetings shall be scheduled and conducted in compliance with chapter 21. (6) The combining of duties of elected officials or the elimination of elected offices and the assumption of the duties of those offices by appointed officials. (7) The organization of county departments, agencies, or boards. The organization plan may provide for the abolition or consolidation of a board or a commission and the assumption of its powers and duties by the board of supervisors or another officer. (8) In lieu of the election or appointment of township trustees, a method providing for the exercise of their powers and duties by the board of supervisors or other governing body of the county or another office. (9) Consolidating city-county government or government functions. (10) Consolidating county-county government or government functions. b. This subsection does not apply to the board of trustees of a county hospital. 3. An alternative form of county government shall provide for the partisan election of its officers. 4. Subsections 1 and 2 do not apply to the city-county consolidated form of government or the community commonwealth form of government. 88 Acts, ch 1229, §10; 91 Acts, ch 256, §15 – 18; 2004 Acts, ch 1066, §11, 31; 2010 Acts, ch 1061, §180; 2018 Acts, ch 1041, §127; 2019 Acts, ch 59, §103 Referred to in §331.246, 373.4 Fri Dec 12 19:56:36 2025 Iowa Code 2026, Section 331.238 (27, 0)

Source: official Iowa text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa § 331.238

What does Iowa Code § 331.238 cover?

Section 331.238 ("331.238 Limitations to alternative forms of county government.") is part of the Iowa Code, the codified statutory law of Iowa. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Iowa § 331.238?

A common citation format is "Iowa Code § 331.238" (Iowa). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Iowa law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Iowa official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Iowa attorney.

How does Iowa § 331.238 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Iowa can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Iowa.