(Harlan, Iowa) – The Mayor of Harlan has announced he’s resigning to run for a seat on the Shelby County Board of Supervisors. Mayor Mike Kolbe‘s resignation is effective on March 31st.

While Iowa law allows one to serve simultaneously as Mayor and County Supervisor, Kolbe said he feels it’s appropriate to announce his intention to vacate the Mayor’s seat before he begins collecting signatures to run for another office.

In his resignation letter, Mayor Kolbe says public service has been part of his life since he arrived in Harlan 39-years ago, with his last eight years as a Councilman and Mayor. While the Harlan City Council will begin taking applications rather than hold a special election, the public can petition for a special election.