Key Takeaways
- Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber filed a petition to remove Supervisor Scott Belt for arriving intoxicated at a meeting.
- Witnesses claimed Belt appeared drunk before the meeting, having consumed alcohol at a local bar.
- Security footage showed Belt inside the bar prior to the meeting, where he struggled with basic tasks.
- A judge suspended Belt while the case is ongoing, leaving his seat vacant until further decisions are made.
- If the court approves the removal, a committee will appoint a temporary replacement, possibly triggering a special election.
POTTAWATTAMIE COUNTY, Iowa — County Attorney Matt Wilber has filed a legal petition to remove Pottawattamie County Supervisor Scott Belt from office, alleging Belt arrived intoxicated to an official meeting after drinking at a local bar on November 5. The petition was submitted earlier this week and is now moving through the courts.
According to court filings and reporting from KETV, Wilber claims Belt consumed a beer and part of a mixed drink at a nearby bar before the meeting, even transferring the remaining alcohol into a plastic cup as he left. Witnesses allegedly told investigators that Belt already appeared drunk before he arrived at the bar and was advised not to attend the meeting.
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Security footage reportedly shows Belt inside the bar before heading to the meeting. During the November 5 session, the petition alleges Belt struggled to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, had difficulty balancing, and at one point stumbled over a chair. After the incident became public, additional witnesses reportedly came forward describing similar behavior from Belt at least seven times over the past 13 months.
A statement posted by Pottawattamie County on Facebook confirmed Belt stepped down as board chair on November 10. On Friday, November 14, a judge placed Belt on suspension, leaving the seat vacant while the case proceeds. A committee will select a temporary replacement pending the outcome of the petition.
If the court denies the removal request, Belt will return to his role. If approved, the committee will appoint someone to finish the term, which may trigger a special election…