MONROE — Former Monroe City Administrator Phil Rath is on the April general election ballot for a City of Monroe alderperson position. However, after accepting a new job outside of Monroe, Rath is looking into his options to serve on the city council if he’s elected.

According to the Ottumwa (Iowa) Courier, Rath was chosen as Ottumwa’s administrator and had a starting date of Feb. 17. He was one of two finalists and had a starting salary of $125,000, which could rise with incentives. Rath was granted up to $7,500 in moving expenses, according to the Courier. His contract is for two years and will renew automatically. 

Rath resigned from his position as city administrator in Monroe in October 2019 after 10 years in the position. He subsequently took out papers of candidacy and filed to run for the city council. There are five positions up for election on the city council — all held by incumbents including Donna Douglas, Mickey Beam, Michael Boyce, Richard Thoman and Rob Driver. All of the incumbents filed papers to serve again. Rath is the only challenger. The top five candidates receiving votes will receive the two-year terms.

Monroe Mayor Louis Armstrong said Rath remains a candidate and his name will appear on the general election ballot. Armstrong said he was aware that Rath accepted a position as an administrator in Ottumwa, Iowa. Monroe is 236 miles from Ottumwa, Iowa.

The Monroe Times repeatedly has tried to contact Rath to clarify his status as a candidate. Rath’s only response was via a text message which said, “…I am looking into my options. I was informed there may be a current council member who works outside the city and splits time residing between the two communities. When they cannot make it back for a meeting, they attend by phone.”

Monroe City Clerk Brittney Rindy said that according to state statutes, as long as Rath resides in the city of Monroe and is a registered elector in the city, he meets the requirements to serve on the city council.

It is not uncommon for municipal officials to “attend” a meeting via a conference call, during which they can hear proposals, ask questions and cast votes. Attending a meeting by telephone or other electronic device allows an elected official to be considered as “present” for the meeting.

The spring general election is Tuesday, April 7.

—Emily Massingill contributed to this story.