Schulz resigns from Lee County Board

RESIGNATION

It was a great honor to serve the people of the district and of the county. However, at this point, the only reasonable thing for me to do is to step aside so focus remains on what is important. Lee County is in a position where we could grow and prosper greatly and I know the leadership in place will work us in that direction. It is with deep regret, and humility, that I tender my resignation.”

Tom Schulz, former Lee County Supervisor Chairman

LEE COUNTY – A citation for public intoxication has resulted in the resignation of first-term Lee County Supervisor Tom Schulz.
Schulz announced his resignation from District 2 effective immediately from the Lee County Board of Supervisors.
Schulz was cited for public intoxication following the board’s regular meeting on Tuesday by Lee County Sheriff’s deputies after being stopped on foot while walking back to his home. A breathalyzer was conducted and the citation was issued.
A committee comprised of Lee County’s auditor, recorder, and treasurer will now likely make an appointment to fill the remainder of Schulz's term within the next 40 days per Iowa Code section 69.14. Schulz’s term runs through the end of 2026.
According to Code 69.12, the seat will be up for election at the next pending election after the appointment.
Lee County has a special election set for March 11 to fill the 100th District Iowa House seat following the death of Martin Graber, however that special election is inside a 32-day window spelled out in the Iowa Code.
Schulz’s replacement would be by appointment of the committee, or by another special election at least 32 days out, which the county would pay for. The March 11th special election is being estimated to cost the county $15,000.
Current Lee County Board Vice Chair Denise Fraise said Schulz, who was chair prior to the incident, called her before he sent out the resignation.
“I’m going to miss him. He was very good with the budget. I’ve never seen anyone who could say ‘we’re going to have this much left at the end of the year'. (Budget Director) Cindy (Renstrom) would figure it out, and he was always right,” Fraise said.
“I admire his devotion to the county and putting them first.”
The board will have a resolution for the next meeting to name a new chair based on a nomination.
Schulz wrote Thursday that he had made a mistake and put his account out for the public to see.
“It is quite obvious, at this point, that to remain on the board of supervisors would focus too much attention on me and on this situation rather than on the hard and good work that my friends and now to be former coworkers are doing every day,” Schulz said.
“It was a great honor to serve the people of the district and of the county. However, at this point, the only reasonable thing for me to do is to step aside so focus remains on what is important. Lee County is in a position where we could grow and prosper greatly and I know the leadership in place will work us in that direction.
"It is with deep regret, and humility, that I tender my resignation."