Iowa Code Title IX. Local Government [Chs. 331-420] § 368.25. Failure to provide municipal services

Prior to expiration of the three-year period established in section 368.11, subsection 3, paragraph “n”, the annexing city shall submit a report to the board describing the status of the provision of municipal services identified in the plan required in section 368.11, subsection 3, paragraph “n”. If a city fails to provide municipal services, or fails to show substantial and continuing progress in the provision of municipal services, to territory involuntarily annexed, according to the plan for extending municipal services filed pursuant to section 368.11, subsection 3, paragraph “n”, within the time period specified in that subsection, the city development board may initiate proceedings to sever the annexed territory from the city. The board shall notify the city of the severance proceedings and shall hold a public hearing on the proposed severance. The board shall give notice of the hearing in the same manner as notice of a public meeting in section 368.11. The board may order severance of all or a portion of the territory and the order to sever is not subject to approval at an election. A city may request that the board allow up to an additional three years to provide municipal services if good cause is shown. As an alternative to severance of the territory, the board may impose a moratorium on additional annexation by the city until the city complies with its plan for extending municipal services. For purposes of this section, “municipal services” means services included in the plan required by section 368.11, subsection 3, paragraph “n”, for extending municipal services.