Treasurer Gonzalez leaving Linn County after 40 years

CEDAR RAPIDS — It’s not often that someone spends the entirety of their career with one organization, but outgoing Linn County Treasurer Sharon Gonzalez will be leaving with more than 40 years of experience at the end of the year.

“It’s mixed emotions. I’ve dedicated my entire adult working career here. I’ve made a lot of friends here so it’s bittersweet,” Gonzalez said. “I gave my whole heart to this office. That’s going to be the hardest part. I don’t think it will hit me until a month down the road that this is really it.

“But I also have grandchildren and another grandbaby on the way now, so your life takes a bigger turn,” she added. “I love them and am excited to be able to spend as much time with them as I can.”

Gonzalez, 62, was born and raised in Victor, Iowa. She moved east to work for Linn County as a clerk right after graduating high school in 1979.

“One of my classmates had gotten hired and she told me it was a nice office,” Gonzalez said. “I applied, took the typing test, failing a few times, but once I got in, I worked my way up in the department.”

By 1986, Gonzalez was promoted to a deputy treasurer position and held it until she ran to be the county’s treasurer in 2010 after former treasurer Michael Stevenson retired.

For the past 12 years, Gonzalez has led Linn County’s busiest department, which included one of the most challenging periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Linn County Treasurer administers finances, banking services, cash management and investments for the county. The office also receives all money payable to the county and acts as the central depository for all county offices and departments. The treasurer’s job currently pays $119,198 a year.

The office has just under 40 employees and averages 300 Linn County residents visiting the office each day to pay property taxes or vehicle registration fees.

Before the pandemic, the office’s busiest days saw around 1,000 people. Since then, they’ve worked to promote online services in an attempt to make the office more efficient for staff and county residents.

“I grew up within this office and I know people dreaded coming down here. But over the years, we’ve really worked hard at the customer service aspect and making sure we get people in and out as fast as possible,” Gonzalez said. “When we opened back up, it was a struggle. But people have realized how easy the online payment system is.”

Tracy Houdeshell, a deputy treasurer of the office, said Gonzalez has been the “epitome of a public servant.”

“She is hard working, dedicated, a frugal steward of taxpayer dollars and a good friend,” Houdeshell said. “She will surely be missed.”

Kelly Rae Geater, also a deputy treasurer, said Gonzalez will be missed by staff as well.

“It’s been an honor and privilege to have worked with Sharon for the past three years and to have known her for the past 12 through her work in the Iowa County Treasurer’s Association,” she said.

And Linn County Supervisor Chair Ben Rogers said Gonzalez will leave behind a lasting legacy at Linn County.

“It is incredibly rare for someone to start and end their career for the same organization. Sharon has witnessed Linn County change and improve throughout the years and she leaves behind a legacy of success and a lifetime of public service to Linn County,” he said.

After Gonzalez leaves at the end of the year, the treasurer’s seat will be filled by former Linn County Supervisor and current deputy director of public policy and community relations Brent Oleson. He will begin his new position on Jan. 1.

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