Iowa Code § 357A.5: Appearances.

At the hearing on the petition, any owner or tenant of real property within the boundaries of the area described in the petition may appear, in person or by a designated representative, and any representative of the department, a city, or an interested person may also appear, in favor of or in opposition to the incorporation and organization of the proposed district. The appearances may also be filed in writing prior to the time set for the hearing.