Linn County treasurer retiring

Linn County Treasurer Michael Stevenson formally gave his resignation today to county officials after a 24-year tenure.

Stevenson, 66, a Democrat from Cedar Rapids, has been unopposed for 24 years. He said it was just time for him to retire after working for the county for more than 39 years.

“I started in 1971 as a deputy in the motor vehicle department,” Stevenson said. “I don't have any plans right now. My daughter thinks I ought to take my grandkids to their swimming lessons all summer.”

Stevenson said he recommended in his resignation letter that the Board of Supervisors appoint Vickie Dippel, the deputy treasurer, also a Democrat, to be the interim treasurer July 1 until one is elected in November.

Another Democrat, Sharon Gonzalez, a deputy in charge of the motor vehicle department, plans to run and on the Republican side, Joseph Clarahan, said in April he will run. Clarahan, a controller at CCB Packaging in Hiawatha, will be the first Republican to run for this office since the 1980s.

The Linn County  treasurer makes $87,622 a year.

Check out Stevenson's resignation letter below.

Stevenson Resignation Effective 6-30-2010