Former Tama County Zoning Administrator Bob Vokoun pictured during the Wednesday, April 16 Zoning Commission meeting held at the Administration Building in Toledo. Vokoun, a resident of Gladbrook, resigned from his position this past Monday during the Board of Supervisors meeting. While he offered to work through May 1, the Supervisors elected to (effectively) place him on paid administrative leave. PHOTO BY RUBY F. MCALLISTER

TOLEDO – Tama County is in need of a new Zoning Administrator.

With an overcast sky abundant with heavy clouds, the weekly Tama County Board of Supervisors meeting this past Monday was well attended with a possible closed session on the agenda – a session that instead remained wide open for the public to bear witness.

Bob Vokoun, now former Tama County Zoning Administrator and Weed Commissioner, took center stage, sitting next to the titular head of Tama County’s outsourced HR management, Paul Greufe. After taking umbrage at the wording of Greufe’s introductory sentence by stating that he was voluntarily resigning, Vokoun offered an explanation of what led him to make the decision.

“About three weeks ago, I started making it known to people that I was planning on resigning the position because of the fact it was taking up so much time,” Vokoun began. “I was very concerned about all of the items coming in. With lawsuits, and everything, and taking up more time I expressed my concerns to you folks about a number of the items, and my concern about what it’s going to cost the county, and the time it’s going to be taking and I don’t see where it’s going to be taking less time [than] we got right now with my hours.”

Vokoun went on to address the hours he has worked in the position, stating, “It was based on when I was hired at 15 hours a week … [R]ight now I’m 26 hours away from having all the hours for the year. I keep track of all the hours. When I was hired I was informed to keep track of these, and if we were to start running into all these issues … then we would be looking at compensation for that. As you are well aware I do not, I haven’t turned in any mileage, I haven’t asked, I declined any cell phone reimbursement, and I’m trying to do a job for the county. Not to toot my own horn, but I feel I’m very dedicated to this, and wanting to have everything taken care of.”

Vokoun went on to talk about how citizens get angry waiting for responses from his office and how the main hold-up is usually waiting on legal counsel for approval. He talked about how he didn’t care about wind or solar, he was just following the attorney’s instructions, treading carefully not to chance another lawsuit.

Vokoun also addressed the time he has spent dealing with lawsuits against Tama County, stating, “This is starting to take up way more than what it should, and with all these lawsuits being filed. There’s gonna be more, and you know I’m sorry, but I don’t have the time to be taking all of that if I’m not being compensated.”

Later, Vokoun again foreshadowed more litigation when he said, “I’m very concerned about some of these resolutions, and what I hear coming down. I know that there’s more lawsuits coming. I hate to see that.”

He made it clear that even though he was resigning, he was still happy to work until May 1, 2025, so that wheels would remain in motion. He also volunteered to show his replacement where things are and how things are done.

The Supervisors decided to accept Vokoun’s resignation effective immediately, but said he would be paid until May 1. Seemingly flabbergasted, confused, and in a state of awe, Vokoun appeared unsure as to why he was being asked to leave immediately while still being paid through May 1 – and willing to work until then.

Following the meeting, some members of the public were vocal in thanking Vokoun for all he had done in the position, while others were bewildered by the Supervisors’ decision. Some suggested that more hours should be added to the position.

The next day, Tuesday, April 22, a special meeting was held to appoint an interim zoning and weed commissioner. Chris Behrens, the county’s environmental health officer and sanitarian, was selected for the position. The Supervisors also approved posting the open position. Although discussed, the Board did not extend the hours – it will remain a part-time, 15-hours-per-week position.

Other business

Also during the Monday, April 21 meeting, Engineer Ben Daleske gave his report stating that they’ve finished hauling rock on Abbott Avenue south of 350th St. and 220th St. west of V-18. Blades were out working on Level B roads before the rain. Hydroseeding was done on 215th St. last week and this week it will be done on the B Ave. regrade. The wind delayed getting the rest of the old shop torn down, hopefully it will be finished this week. They are also working on cleaning the culverts on E-66.

A public hearing was held on the possible repeal of Tama County Ordinance VI.5(6.5), the Wind Energy Conversion Assessment Ordinance. Some small comments and bits of discussion were had. After the hearing closed, the Supervisors approved waiving the second and third hearings. They then decided to put possible action on the repeal of the ordinance on next week’s agenda.

A rather quick and rather quiet public hearing was held on the FY26 budget which was subsequently approved. Following approval, the Supervisors approved a resolution to adjust the FY26 budget slightly by giving all elected officials a 2% raise excluding the supervisors.

A liquor license for Backyard Vines was approved.

Sheriff Casey Schmidt told the Board he attended a conference last week at the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association Civil School where two members of the Iowa Behavioral Health Department spoke. The main subject of this conference was the changes coming after July 1, 2025. Among other updates, Sheriff Schmidt said he learned that the jail will continue to be reimbursed for mental health medication for inmates.

Claims totaling $103,459.07 were approved.