State Ex Rel. Palmer v. Dubuque County

CARTER, Justice.

This is a dispute between the State and Dubuque County concerning which of these entities is responsible for the care of Isaac B. at the state mental health institute (MHI) at Independence. The State asserts that Dubuque County is liable for these costs because Isaac B. acquired a legal settlement in that county prior to his institutionalization. The district court found that Isaac B. never acquired a legal settlement in Dubuque County and that the State therefore remained liable for his MHI costs pursuant to Iowa Code section 222.60 (1989). After considering the arguments of…