×

‘Exceptional’ city clerk in City Hall 1 more month

T-R photo by Stephanie Bowers Shari Coughenour stands outside Marshalltown’s city hall where’s she’s worked for 20 years.

For about 20 years Shari Coughenour has been one of Marshalltown’s biggest supporters and cheerleaders. 

Coughenour started as the Marshalltown City Clerk on June 1, 2000. Since then she has seen Marshalltown and the United States change. She has seen multiple council members, mayors and Presidents, but has continued to work diligently on the frontlines of City Hall serving her fellow community members. Coughenour plans to work through to July 1. 

“It’s been a blast working with the public because everyday is a new day,” Coughenour said. “You never know what’s going to hit your desk.”

It became clear Coughenour was retiring when a job notice for a new city clerk was published on Marshalltown’s city website Tuesday while she was putting the final touches on the Marshalltown City Council meeting agenda. She was devoted to her task and worked diligently to make council meetings went smoothly.

Mayor Joel Greer has worked with Coughenour throughout his time as mayor and on council.

Her help has been unmeasurable, he said. 

When Greer first became mayor she was able to greatly assist him with his day to day duties, like announcing proclamations for people, groups and nonprofits. 

“Every time a proclamation needed to be done, I’d have to lean on Shari,” Greer said. “She’s been exceptional.”

Her deft hand helped assist the mayor work with citizens no matter what their temperament. 

“I came from the private sector so I really didn’t have any idea about how government works,” Coughenour said. “Over the years I gained knowledge and experience from various sources.” 

Local attorneys would give her guidance on basic real estate and contract issues.

She presided as city clerk through September 11, the beginnings of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the 2008 recession, the 2018 tornado and now the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“The global economy and presidential elections have an impact on the community as a whole, and we can’t negate that,” Coughenour said. “9/11 was when cities became really aware of our strategic points. We needed to secure those areas that could be used against the citizens. We buttoned those holes and we are more prepared because of what happened.”

Sometimes she gets frustrated by citizens with negative feedback who don’t get the basic tenets of government.

“Government is where rubber hits the road,” she said. “City government is in charge of doing infrastructure making sure roads and streets are in good condition and when you flush the toilet it rolls down hill.” 

Coughenour understands citizen’s concerns about tax dollars and utility dollars. During her tenure, a storm water utility bill was added because of the Department of Natural Resources stormwater issues. 

“Sometimes people don’t understand there are exterior forces at play that cause cities to do things,” she said. “We have been so positively conscientious about how we spend our money.” 

Coughenour and other city department heads always have the bottom line in mind when preparing their budgets. 

“We know that when we misspend something, it reduces service,” she said. “The majority of expenses go toward people.” 

Marshalltown has a good bond rating and despite some bumps caused by the pandemic the city has been able continue progress toward a positive future. 

Part of that future still involves repairing and replacing buildings damaged by the 2018 tornado. 

Coughenour’s nearly two decades of work helped maintain a sense of normalcy in the tornado’s aftermath, Greer said. “She’s one of the nicest, quietest, calmest people I’ve had occasion to work with.” 

She, Greer and other members of the city’s government worked to help console a community hit by a natural crisis. 

“It’s very humbling to see people gather together for a common goal,” Coughenour said. “Can you imagine what our downtown will look like because the city is pursuing its advantages and utilizing grant money to get the shared project going?” 

Along with seeing different historical events, Coughenour has seen the way people work change as well. 

“We used to do parking tickets by hand and not an excel spreadsheet,” she said. “We are in the digital age.” 

Coughenour plans to continue to live in Marshalltown, and stay in touch with the community. 

She’s mulled over possible plans to run open council seats in the future, but for now she wants to relish in her time off. 

“I might consider running for council, but I really want to retire and enjoy my new found freedom,” she said. 

Coughenour will never say never though. 

Overall Coughenour has certainly made an impression on Marshalltown. Her quotes can be seen throughout her 20 years tenure in the T-R. She’s made reporters, council members and mayors jobs easier through her experience and kind words. 

“There’s no doubt that she’s been a major Marshalltown asset throughout her 20 years,” Greer said. 

Her contributions to Marshalltown won’t soon be forgotten. 

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m here with 20 years in.” 

——

Contact Thomas Nelson at tnelson@timesrepublican.com

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today