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Henry County Board of Supervisors’ numbers man retires after 12 years
Greg Moeller leaves a legacy of financial mastery and community-focused leadership
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT — After 12 years of service, Henry County Supervisor Greg Moeller will step away from public office next week on Dec. 31. He will leave behind a legacy marked by sharp financial insight, a deep sense of duty, and a personal approach to leadership that touched colleagues and constituents alike.
During his last department head meeting Dec. 5 colleagues honored Moeller’s years of service.
“First of all, I publicly want to say thank you, Greg. Twelve years of service, and it’s been an absolute pleasure working with him,” fellow supervisor Marc Lindeen said. “You can count on him for anything possible. I am still baffled with how he can do figures and remember figures, and I am going to miss that.”
Along with Moeller, Henry County Public Health Director Katie Rueter thanked him for his years of service on behalf of her department. Emergency Management Coordinator Walt Jackson also thanked him.
Though Moeller was known for his numbers, he also has a human side that endeared him to his colleagues. His emotions came to the forefront during this final department head meeting.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” Moeller said, his voice breaking. “I just want to thank everybody. Carry on. Take it easy on the new guy. Don’t let all the wheels roll him over.”
Moeller’s journey to public office began in earnest after a nudge from a community member over two decades ago. Though the initial suggestion to run for supervisor came in 2002, Moeller waited until his children graduated from high school before committing to the role.
In addition to his own skepticism of running, Henry County Auditor Nathan Milks admitted he had his own reservations.
“I think it was 12 and a half years ago. You were banging on my door asking for my vote,” Milks joked. “I told you I would. I lied. I didn’t vote for you. But it turns out, you’re a great supervisor.”
The blend of humor and sincerity in Milks’ comment reflects the warmth with which Moeller’s tenure is regarded. His ability to approach challenges methodically and with a focus on the greater good earned him the respect of his colleagues and the trust of the community.
With a background in banking and insurance, Moeller brought a meticulous approach to the county’s finances.
He emphasized that for him, “The budget to me is the most important part.”
His mastery of numbers was greatly appreciated among those who worked with him.
“I like numbers better than anything,” Moeller admitted.
His passion for financial management proved instrumental in guiding the county through budgetary constraints and legislative challenges, such as the beginning phases of adapting to House File 718, which will require counties to make serious budget cuts.
“I am going to miss his recall of numbers because it is incredible,” Lindeen said.
“He is good with his numbers,” added incoming Henry County Auditor Robin Detrick.
Yet Moeller’s relationship with numbers wasn’t just about calculations; it was about translating them into meaningful decisions. Whether balancing competing priorities or planning for the future, his ability to see the big picture set him apart.
One of Moeller’s proudest achievements was helping establish the Emergency Medical Services 28E agreement with the county. The agreement created a funding mechanism for EMS services through a voter-approved 75-cent levy, keeping the expenses out of the county’s General Basic and General Supplemental funds.
“Three years ago, the board of trustees from the hospital asked us to take over the ambulance,” Moeller recalled. “Basically, we would have owned it like the Sheriff’s Department, and the taxpayers would have been paying the bill.”
Instead, the 28E agreement provided a more collaborative approach, which Moeller is grateful to leave in place. While he is unsure how it will look a few years down the road, Moeller expressed gratitude for having something in place as he steps away.
Over the years, Moeller navigated tough decisions with a philosophy of balancing the needs of the county as a whole against the wants of vocal minorities.
“The decisions we make are on behalf of the county as a whole,” he said. Learning when to act, when to slow down, and when to politely but firmly say no became essential skills.
He credited much of his growth to his colleagues, particularly County Auditor Shelly Barber and fellow supervisors Lindeen and Chad White, and they’ve also attributed their growth to working with him.
“Greg has been very helpful when I was a new board member coming on,” White said. “Even when we were campaigning, he was very helpful. I appreciate the camaraderie and his passing on of knowledge.”
Though disagreements inevitably arose, mutual respect always prevailed.
“During the hard times, we have still learned to enjoy each other,” Lindeen said.
As Moeller prepares to transition into a new phase of life, his advice for incoming supervisor Steve Detrick is simple but critical: “Learn the budget. That’s the bottom line,” Moeller emphasized.
He leaves behind a handbook of sorts with years of wisdom for his successor.
“I am trying to pass the baton,” he said. “I am leaving things for Steve’s review.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Moeller acknowledged the challenges but also found the experience rewarding.
“There were difficult times, but that’s part of it,” he said.
Now, he looks forward to enjoying time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. For his colleagues and the people of Henry County, his departure marks the end of an era.
“He is one of the best,” Lindeen said. “Knowledge-wise, learning-wise, and popularity-wise, he is one of the best.”
As the new chapter begins for both Moeller and Henry County, the imprint of his steady hand and sharp mind will remain.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
