Ask Manchester

🏛️ City Hall

City Hall · 208 E Main St · Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · (563) 927-3636 · Pay a bill · Forms

Departments & direct lines
City Hall, 208 E Main St · Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM · main line (563) 927-3636.
How do I start, stop or transfer water/sewer/trash service?
Fill out the utility service application (English or Spanish on the Utility Billing page) and return it to Utility Billing, 208 E Main St, within two business days of starting service. Phone (563) 927-1114. Accounts are created the first business day after you notify the city. Trash & recycling billing starts and stops with your water account.
Is there a deposit?
Yes, for renters: all renters, regardless of credit history, must pay a minimum $75 deposit before an account is created.
When is my bill due and what if I’m late?
Bills go out by the last business day of the month and are due by close of business (4 PM) on the 10th. A 5% penalty is added after the 10th and a delinquent notice is mailed; you then have 12 more days before disconnection. Didn’t get a bill? Call (563) 927-1114. Paperless e-bills are available — email to sign up.
How can I pay my utility bill?
  • Pay online 24/7 (also shows usage & payment history)
  • Autopay: return the Direct Pay (automatic withdrawal) form to City Hall
  • In person at City Hall, 208 E Main St — cash, check, money order, debit/credit
  • Drop box west of City Hall’s front door
  • By mail to 208 E Main St, Manchester, IA 52057
What are the current utility rates?
Monthly: Water $8.31 + $4.43 per 1,000 gal · Sewer $14.40 + $8.02 per 1,000 gal · Garbage & recycling $14.75 · Compost $4.00 · Landfill $0.30 · 6% water excise tax. Optional outside (lawn) meter: $1.05 + $4.84 per 1,000 gal, and it carries no sewer charge.
Is there help paying a utility bill?
The city has no reduced-rate program, but Operation New View and Delaware County Community Services (721 S 5th St, (563) 927-5116) may help. If you can’t pay on time, call (563) 927-1114 to set up payment arrangements.
Do I need a building permit? (fences, sheds, decks, roofs)
Yes for building, adding on, altering, repairing or demolishing — including re-roofing, re-siding, garages, sheds, decks, fences, signs, remodels and any electrical/plumbing work. Painting, wallpaper, floor sanding and carpet don’t need one. Homeowners may do their own work but still need the permit first. Download the building permit form from city forms; email it to theims@manchester-ia.org or drop it at City Hall. Questions: (563) 927-1112. Inspections need 48 hours’ notice: (563) 920-0867.
Zoning, digging and contractors
Check the city zoning map (Beacon). Before any digging, call Iowa One Call at 811. Contractors, plumbers and electricians must be registered with the city and the State. There’s no city business license, but confirm zoning allows your business.
Sidewalk and tree permits
Sidewalk permits are free but required; two inspections (forms set, and finished) — call (563) 920-0867. Planting or removing a tree in the city right-of-way needs a free tree permit from City Hall. Dead terrace tree? Call (563) 927-3636.
Do rentals have to be registered?
Yes. Under Chapter 160 (Rental Housing Code), every residential rental unit must be registered every three years. Forms (new, renewal, self-inspection, complaint) are on the Rental Housing page. Report ownership or rental-status changes to theims@manchester-ia.org.
Do I need to license my dog?
Yes. Dogs over 10 weeks old in city limits must be licensed within 60 days: $20 spayed/neutered, $50 unaltered, lifetime license; proof of rabies shot required (can’t expire within 6 months). Cats aren’t licensed. Dogs must be leashed outside enclosed areas, and you must pick up waste. Lost/found animals and impounds: Animal Control, (563) 927-3355 (impound $20 + $5/day).
Can I burn leaves or have a fire pit?
The city site doesn’t publish a burning rule beyond this: open-burning complaints go to the Building Official, theims@manchester-ia.org / (563) 927-1112. Leaves and brush can go free to the compost site, 541 S Brewer St (sun-up to sun-down). County burn bans are announced on KMCH.
Can I drive an ATV/UTV or golf cart in town?
ATVs and UTVs may use all city streets except Highway 13 and the 100 blocks of Main and Franklin Streets, taking the most direct route. Owners must register them with the Iowa DNR and carry insurance (City Code ch. 75). The city doesn’t list a separate golf-cart permit.
Garbage, recycling, yard waste and big items
Kluesner Sanitation: (866) 525-4506. Wednesday pickup south of Union St (both sides of Union); Thursday north. Carts out by 6 AM (must be by 7 AM); trash weekly, recycling every other week. Big items, extra garbage, electronics: call Kluesner to arrange and pay. Hazardous waste: DMASWA (563) 557-8220. Yard waste: compost site, 541 S Brewer St. See the Trash page for your week.
Snow, parking and sidewalks
When declared, alternate-side parking runs 10 PM–7 AM (even side on even days, odd on odd); no parking on snow routes; ticketing and towing enforced. Clear sidewalks within 10 daylight hours after snowfall, and clear hydrants 3 feet around. Report snowplow mailbox damage to the Street Dept. Get city text/email alerts. See the Winter page.
When does the City Council meet? Where are agendas?
2nd and 4th Mondays at 5 PM, Council Chambers, 204 E Main St. Agendas are posted by 5 PM the Friday before on the meetings portal; minutes are on Agendas & Minutes. To add an item, contact the Mayor or City Manager at (563) 927-3636 by the Wednesday before.
How do I request public records?
Send a specific request to City Hall (208 E Main St, (563) 927-3636). Staff may take up to 10 business days. Copies are $0.25 per page ($0.40 double-sided), paper or scanned.
How do I report a problem?
Potholes, curbs, streetlights, storm drains, sewer backups, flooding: Street Dept. service request or (563) 927-3636 weekdays 8–4. After hours: police (563) 927-3355. Tall grass, junk, abandoned property, hazards: Building Official (563) 927-1112. Noise, parking, abandoned vehicles: police. Power out: Alliant (800) 822-4348. Gas smell: leave the house, call 911, then Black Hills (800) 694-8989. Full list: who handles what.
Voting and elections
Elections are run by the Delaware County Auditor, 301 E Main St (courthouse), (563) 927-4701, M–F 8–4:30. Register or update; vote early at the Auditor’s office starting 20 days before an election. See Civic & Voting.