Tama County Administration Building, 104 W State St., Toledo, Iowa. -- File photo

Many citizens gathered this week for the Tama County Supervisors meeting where again Craig Sash was a main topic. A boisterous public hearing regarding Mr. Sash’s removal from the Zoning Commission was held last week. Mr. Sash gave a statement to the paper about how last week’s Supervisors’ meeting and the public hearing went.

“This public hearing was nothing more than a dog and pony show in kangaroo court. It’s blatantly obvious the outcome was predetermined. I don’t see how any reasonable person could expect someone to defend themselves against unknown accusations. The core issue of my firing is I’ve been extremely critical of these supervisors and I am not a TCAT member,” he said. “I’ve stood up against them for private property rights and they clearly do not like it. I have support of the public behind me, it was obvious that day. Thanks to everyone that showed up, spoke, emailed, etc. While we may not have made a difference in the outcome of my zoning board status we have turned the tables.”

This subject was carried over to this week’s meeting as the supervisors did not last week appoint anyone to the vacant position on the Zoning Commission. The supervisors could have re-appointed Sash to the Commission or anyone who had applied. With no discussion on the subject, the supervisors unanimously approved appointing Jodelle Boldt to the vacant position.

Chairman Mark Doland talked about Sash’s removal in a statement to the paper.

“Mr. Sash was removed for cause and he knows what the cause was. The current Board of Supervisors followed the code and guidance of counsel for the removal. I had hoped that we could reach an agreement and that Mr. Sash could be reinstated. However, Mr. Sash’s continued attacks and bashing the Board of Supervisors further confirmed the rationale for his removal,” Doland said.

The supervisors also appointed two new members to the Board of Adjustments (BOA). According to the Tama County Website, BOA members Berleen Wobeter and Mike Seda both had term end dates of June 30, 2025. Wobeter was appointed to the BOA in December of 2024, while Seda is a veteran of the board, having served for years. Both Seda and Wobeter applied to be reappointed to the board. Going simply off of the applications, and conducting no interviews, the supervisors appointed David Sherwood to a term ending on 6/30/29, and Scott Snyder to a term ending on 6/30/30.

This decision stirred controversy among those present and watching. Supervisor Heather Knebel talked about the decision, and choosing someone who would do the best job. She went on to speak about how the supervisors were voted in and represented the wants of the majority of the county.

In an unprecedented action, Sheriff’s Detective Trevor Killian stood up and gave his two cents on the conflict stating that maybe they should do it like they do things in the military. Simply assign numbers and pick someone blindly, so personal prejudice and preference don’t cloud their judgment.

In another statement to the paper, Sash spoke about these new appointments.

“Today’s outcome didn’t shock me at all. The public hearing was a joke and the general public is aware of it. Getting rid of Mike Seda and Berleen Wobeter today was just as bad. Mike had been on the BOA for years and Berleen’s term wasn’t even up yet. The only thing those two did wrong was follow ordinances, the law and state code. They voted against what the supervisors want, they tried to keep the county out of more lawsuits. Their reward for doing so? They get dismissed as well. This board doesn’t like to be called dictators, maybe they shouldn’t act like dictators,” Sash said.

Ben Daleske, the Tama County Engineer, reported that they’ll be doing ditch and culvert work at the intersection of F Avenue and 280th Street. They will be doing bridge repairs on H Ave just north of E69. The supervisors approved a right-of-way purchase for 300th Street for the Toledo Bridge project. A utility permit was also approved. Daleske also talked about an odd smell in the shop that seems to be getting worse and has an unknown origin. Comments have been made about the pungent odor, and a forensic test on the smell needs to be conducted for approximately $2,900.

Daleske doesn’t know at this time where in the budget he will find the money for the forensic sniff test. Turner agreed that something needs to be done about the smell as he worries for their health constantly being around the strong smell.

The supervisors approved transferring funds from the Health Fund to the General Basic Fund.

The supervisors approved reallocating ARPA funds.

The supervisors approved the Sheriff’s quarterly report.

Claims totaling $45,832.19 were approved.