(Council Bluffs) — KETV reports that Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber has filed a petition to remove County Supervisor Scott Belt from office.
Wilber’s filing alleges that Belt had been drinking at a bar before a recent Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors meeting. According to the petition, Belt consumed a beer and part of a mixed drink, then left the bar with the remainder in a plastic cup. According to court documents witnesses told investigators it was “very quickly apparent” that Belt was already intoxicated when he arrived at the bar. One person reportedly advised him not to attend the meeting, but Belt insisted he was “fine.”
Though surveillance video captured Belt’s actions, court documents note there is no audio from the bar footage.
During the meeting, Belt, allegedly struggled to speak clearly while leading the Pledge of Allegiance and appeared unsteady, even tripping over a chair.
The petition also claims the Nov. 5 incident prompted others to come forward with similar accounts, alleging Belt had been intoxicated while performing his official duties on at least seven occasions in the past 13 months.
A county Facebook post states that Belt resigned as board chair effective Nov. 10.
Wilber says a judge has suspended Belt pending a hearing, leaving the seat legally vacant for now. A committee will appoint a temporary replacement until the court decides whether Belt will be removed or reinstated. If the petition is upheld, the committee will choose someone to serve out the remainder of the term, which could trigger a special election.
