Rural Water

The Law Shop offers the following representation services and professional guidance for rural water districts and associations (non-profit or 357A) within the State of Iowa:

Board Member Training
Board of Director Meetings
Agendas and Minutes
Rules and Regulations
Open Records and Meetings
Public Bidding
Easements and Land Acquisitions

Franchise Proceedings
Public Notices
Professional/Project Liaison
28E Agreements
Debt Collection
Employment Matters

We Provide Unbundled Legal Services

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Board Member Training

General training of new and existing board members on district or association protocols, board member duties and responsibilities, and public body legal authorities where applicable.

Board of Director Meetings

Meeting attendance to provide general legal guidance as needed and maintain firsthand working knowledge of relevant protocols, issues and concerns impacting the district or association.

Agendas and Minutes

Preparation of board and member meeting agendas and minutes consistent with the best interests of the district or association as well as laws regarding open records and meetings where applicable.

Rules and Regulations

Review of existing policies and drafting of new or amended policies for district or association rules and regulations.

Open Records and Meetings

Guidance on and drafting of documents in compliance with relevant laws regarding open records and meetings where applicable.

Public Bidding

Guidance on compliance with public bidding requirements for district or association construction projects where applicable.

Easements and Land Acquisitions

Preparation of standard easement and water user agreement forms; review of easements and supporting documentation prior to filing with county recorder; preparation and filing of land acquisition or disposal documents.

Franchise Proceedings

Active involvement with district or association, city council, and county proceedings relating to potential water or sewer franchises; document drafting for franchise proceedings.

Public Notices

Preparation of public notices required by law; arrangements for publication of notices unless publication is handled directly by district or association.

Professional/Project Liaison

Liaison services when needed for projects and other matters involving others such as customers, engineers, contractors, city councils, outside entities, government agencies, project sponsors, lenders, bond counsel, litigation counsel, etc.

28E Agreements

Negotiation, drafting and review of intergovernmental agreements that allow a public body or bodies to provide a specified service or services to citizens or members in a more cost-effective manner.

Debt Collection

Advising as to filing of actions in small claims court ($6,500 or less) and filing utility liens with the county treasurer for collection with property taxes; referrals to litigation counsel for larger debt collection claims (>$6,500) requiring action in district court.

Employment Matters

General guidance on employee matters and handbook as well as referral to employment law counsel or other experts as may be needed from time to time.

“Getting divorced was never on my radar. It was a huge, horrible, unexpected shock. Working with Amy was a lifeline in many ways. Of course, her knowledge of the law was top-notch. But more than that was the care she showed me. Every meeting ended in a very tight hug. I get teary-eyed even now remembering it. She was very patient, willing to answer every single question I had (& still does when things pop up). She listened and let me lead the way, but was also very clear in offering advice in areas that might work out better in a way I hadn’t thought of. I think the most glowing praise I can give her is that I have found out my ex has referred friends to Amy instead of the lawyer he used in our divorce!” - Heidi

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“Amy is a superb advocate for her clients with the experience and skill to achieve the best results.” - Andrew B. Howie, Attorney, West Des Moines, Iowa

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"We have been really impressed with how fast and efficient Amy is with getting our adoption hearings scheduled and finalized. It is clear that she makes her clients a priority and knows how important our Adoption Days have been to our family!” ~Jake Skurdal

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When I got married I never imagined that I would be divorced, but I think that's true of most people. 17 years later, I was a nervous wreck walking into Amy's office. She greeted me with a warm hug. After my nerves were settled, and I had told my story, she took my hand and said that it was time for me to stop taking care of someone who needed to start taking care of himself. I felt safe, and I felt ready. My divorce journey was not as difficult as it could have been, but there were some uphill climbs that I had to take, and Amy was right there with me. Always with advice, always with a kind word, and always with a feeling of positivity. I cannot imagine having anyone else represent me or my family. To work with Amy, is to work with more than just a legal representative. I could provide some small similes in order to really hit home with how pivotal she has been (and to utilize that English Master's degree I'm still paying for) and say: Amy is like a light house during a storm, she is the smell of your favorite cookies baking at your grandma's house , and can be thought of as steaming cup of hot chocolate that awaits you after you've been sledding all day. All true. Simply put, Amy helped my four children and I navigate a very difficult time, and begin our new life as a happy family of five We now live without being afraid, and enjoy every single day that is ahead of us. Amy helped us to get there.” – Kelly

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