Sustained applause followed Dallas County Auditor Gene Krumm’s farewell address to the citizens of Dallas County Tuesday morning. The three-term auditor spoke during the open forum at this week’s meeting of the Dallas County Board of Supervisors, the last in calendar year 2016.
Krumm’s term expires Dec. 31.
During his 12 years of service, Krumm oversaw many changes in the county’s election process, introducing new technology and other equipment needed to keep up with the growing population of Dallas County, the fastest-growing county in Iowa.
He also presided over historically significant U.S. general elections in Dallas County, such as the nation’s election of its first African-American president in 2008, although Dallas County voters opted for U.S. Sen. John McCain, who lost the nationwide election to President Barack Obama.
And this year Krumm’s office tallied the county’s votes in the election of America’s first celebrity president, Donald J. Trump. While President Ronald Reagan had been a celebrity, he did not move directly from the set of “Bedtime for Bonzo” to the Oval Office unlike the new president-elect, who has no record of public service.
“I have enjoyed serving the people of Dallas County immensely,” Krumm said Tuesday. “It has truly been a dream job, and I’m thankful that I was here and appreciate the support I got from the people of Dallas County.”
Krumm said the course of his service generally has been smooth but with occasional “rough spots,” to which his perennially dry humor attributed his high blood pressure and hair loss.
“I have had a staff that is dedicated to providing the best possible service at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers,” Krumm said, “and that makes for a win-win situation. The time has come to spend more time with the grandkids and less time shoveling snow.”
Krumm’s announcement was met with praise for his dedicated service and good wishes for his retirement.
“Thank you for your service, Gene,” said Dallas County Board of Supervisors Chair Mark Hanson. “You can come back anytime you like. As you’re an observer of life in the county and hear of things, we’d sure love to hear from you again.”
“Well, I’ll watch the minutes and read the press and might have to come back and set you straight a couple of times,” Krumm said to the general merriment of all present.
Dallas County Precinct Election Coordinator and Auditor-elect Julia Helm, whom voters elected in November to succeed Krumm, will assume the duties of the auditor’s office starting in January.
