Iowa Bill Could Eliminate Township Responsibilities

Proposed legislation would transfer duties like fire service to counties

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A bill advancing in the Iowa legislature could eliminate the role of townships in the state, transferring their responsibilities such as mowing cemeteries, settling fencing disputes, and providing fire and rescue services to the county governments instead.

Why it matters

This proposed change would significantly impact how local government services are delivered in Iowa, with counties taking on additional duties that were previously handled at the township level. The move is part of a broader effort by the state legislature to streamline government operations.

The details

The bill would completely eliminate the position of township trustee. Currently, townships in Iowa are responsible for tasks like mowing cemeteries, settling fencing disputes, and providing critical fire and rescue services. Under the proposed legislation, these duties would be transferred to the county governments.

  • The bill is currently advancing through the Iowa legislature.

The players

Garry Seyb

Lee County Supervisor who brought the bill up during a supervisor report.

Jeff Reichman

State Senator who said the legislature's priority is to streamline government at the local level.

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What they’re saying

“It's been the legislature's priority to streamline government, and that needs to be done at the local level.”

— Jeff Reichman, State Senator (The Pen City Current)

What’s next

The bill must still pass through the full Iowa legislature before potentially becoming law.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation represents a significant shift in how local government services are delivered in Iowa, with counties taking on more responsibilities previously handled at the township level as part of a broader effort to streamline operations.