By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt, IA – The Humboldt City Council has selected interim city administrator Amy Zeman to become the city’s new administrator following a search that included three finalists.
The council made the appointment Tuesday after meeting in closed session to discuss the candidates.
Council members had narrowed the field to three finalists and had identified one candidate they were considering, but ultimately decided not to move forward with that candidate.
Instead, the council voted to move Zeman into the city administrator position.
Zeman has been serving as interim administrator during the city’s transition following the departure of former administrator Cole Bockelmann. Bockelmann left the position earlier this summer to accept a finance director position with the city of Mason City.
During Tuesday’s discussion, council members expressed confidence in Zeman’s performance and her ability to lead city operations.
Humboldt Mayor Walter Jensen specifically pointed to recent communication between Zeman and Humboldt County Dispatch, saying the dispatch center had expressed strong support for the working relationship with the city. The council also discussed Zeman’s experience over the past two years and her familiarity with city operations.
The council also appointed Alissa O’Connor as city administrator facilitator for six months. O’Connor has been involved in the Humboldt community for 17 years and currently serves as executive director of Partnership for Economic Growth of Humboldt County.
Council members said O’Connor will provide additional experience and support as Zeman transitions into the administrator position. Both appointments carry six-month probationary periods.
The council also discussed the future of the city clerk position.
Gloria Christensen, who previously served as city clerk before retiring, has returned on a part-time basis to help the city with clerk duties. Council members praised Christensen’s familiarity with city operations and said she was able to help get things moving quickly after returning.
A decision on the long-term status of the clerk position has not yet been made.
Earlier in the meeting, the council approved a $5,310 contribution to the Heart of Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund.
The money will provide the city’s required matching funds for an owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program. The program is designed to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with rehabilitation projects, including work such as siding, windows and structural improvements.
The council also approved a Central Business District matching grant award to Uptown Humboldt.
The program provides up to $5,000 in matching funds for qualifying downtown building façade or roof repair and replacement projects. Property or business owners complete the work and submit receipts before the city provides its matching funds.
The council approved financing for the purchase of a 2025 Freightliner M2 Plus refuse hauler and accompanying garbage containers.
According to city officials, the financing through Midland Power and Corn Belt Power will provide interest-free funding while the city waits to receive FEMA reimbursement. City officials said they plan to pay off the financing once the FEMA money is received.
The council also approved financing for the fiscal year 2026-27 tree removal project.
City officials said the project came in above the amount originally budgeted. The city had budgeted $100,000, while the financing will provide approximately $200,000 to cover the project.
The financing carries a five-year term rather than the 10-year term discussed previously.
Council members also discussed the possibility that next year’s tree removal needs will be significantly smaller, although that will be addressed during the upcoming budget process.
In other business, the council approved a request to close portions of Sumner Avenue on Saturday, November 21st, for the Hometown Christmas Parade of Lights.
The council also approved a bid from KET Enterprise for the fiscal year 2026-27 Class 2 biosolids application process. The bid was $24,000, which is $1,000 below the city’s $25,000 budget.
The council approved its annual fiscal year 2026-27 budget transfers, including transfers related to sanitary sewer work, the city’s reed beds, the garbage truck and low and moderate income housing.