Rottinghaus enjoying ‘semi-retirement’ after 30 years as Floyd County treasurer

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The New Year marked the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Frank Rottinghaus, who has spent his last three decades serving as the treasurer of Floyd County.

Born in Rockford, Rottinghaus moved to a farm east of Charles City in the 1960s and graduated in 1968. From there he went to NIACC and UNI, earning his degree in business management, which he used to help run his family’s feed mill.

Politically active from a young age, Rottinghaus has been a longstanding member, and occasional chairman, of the county’s Democratic Party. His first experience with public office came about in 1992 after the passing of his father, Anthony “Bud” Rottinghaus, who served on the Floyd County Board of Supervisors. Rottinghaus was asked to complete his late father’s term on the board.

Rottinghaus was nominated to fill a vacancy once again in 1993, winning a special election for the Treasurer’s Office after the resignation of the previous treasurer, Marva Stratton. Rottinghaus took office on Aug. 10 of 1993 and would be re-elected a half-dozen times over the next 30 years.

As county treasurer, Rottinghaus was responsible for keeping track of the county’s finances, collecting and depositing money, balancing records and distributing funds to other public entities like schools and hospitals. By the time he left office, Rottinghaus was responsible for keeping an account of $26 million in tax revenue for the county.

“It’s important work,” said Rottinghaus. “It takes a lot of money to provide the public services we provide. … That money all comes through the Treasurer’s Office to be distributed.”

In his 30 years as treasurer, Rottinghaus has seen a great number of changes in the job as new technology effected how things work both for the public face and behind the counter. From digital accounting to building county websites, Rottinghaus was part of ushering in the office’s transition into the digital age.

“I brought the first personal computer into the building,” he said.

Rottinghaus has also seen his responsibilities expand over the years, with the biggest change coming in 2000 when the Treasurer’s Office became responsible for issuing driver’s licenses, adding an entirely new dynamic to the job.

Whether keeping track of property taxes or staying up-to-date on motor vehicle laws, there have been plenty of things to keep Rottinghaus engaged over the last three decades.

“I found it interesting most of the time,” said Rottinghaus. “I really enjoyed the interaction with the public.”

He’s also very appreciative of the people that have worked in his office over the last 30 years and expects they will continue to serve the public under his successor, Jessie Holm, who was elected to the position in November and took office Jan. 2.

“They are very conscientious and hard working,” said Rottinghaus.

At the age of 72, after 30 years in office, Rottinghaus decided that he was ready to enter into semi-retirement, choosing not to run for another term in last year’s election.

“It’s time for someone else to have the fun that I’ve had and get the experience that I’ve had,” he said.

Instead, Rottinghaus plans to enjoy his senior years while he still has his health, tending to his garden, spending time with his grandchildren or perhaps doing some traveling.

“Maybe I’ll jump in a car or get on a plane and go somewhere and see some things I’ve never seen,” he said.