A public meeting will be held at 10 a.m. today in the Hamilton County Courthouse in response to the filing of a protest to the Iowa State Board of Appeals.

The filing represents petitioners who have raised a concern that the tax levy is not necessary for the Van Diest Medical Center to operate.

According to the Iowa State Appeal website, the state appeal board consists of the Auditor of State, the Treasurer of State and the Director of the Department of Management. The people holding these positions at this time are Roby Smith, treasurer, Kraig Paulsen, director of the Department of Management and Rob Sand, auditor of state.

For local budget appeals, anyone affected by a proposed budget, expenditure or tax levy or by any item thereof, may appeal the budget by filing a petition and appeal.

The state appeal board may designate deputies to attend the local hearing. Following the hearing, the state Appeal Board will render a decision in writing.

A maximum of 10 minutes will be allowed the government representatives and the petitioners.