Madison County approves Matt Schulz as temporary assistant and interim acting county attorney

Madison County commissioners on Tuesday approved two resolutions appointing Matt Schulz to fill county legal duties while the office is vacant.

The board first approved a resolution to hire Schulz as a temporary, part‑time, hourly assistant county attorney. Immediately afterward, commissioners approved a separate resolution naming Schulz the interim acting county attorney, effective Oct. 12. Both motions were moved by Heather, seconded by Diane and carried by voice vote, with no recorded opposing votes in the transcript.

Schulz told the board the interim appointments are intended as a short‑term "bridge" until after the November election because the incumbent, Erin, remains on the ballot and certain actions cannot be taken while she is a candidate. "I'm here to help you get through this time and give you the information and the things, the tools you need to get this office kinda back on track," he said.

During discussion, commissioners raised practical concerns about recruiting and retaining county attorneys in smaller jurisdictions. Schulz noted younger lawyers tend to seek city jobs and commute costs can make rural salaries less competitive. He said sharing attorneys has worked in some smaller counties but stressed that "you can't contract" the county attorney role in the way some board members had asked.

Schulz told the board he would present multiple options at a future meeting, including staffing models and salary ideas, and he recommended putting a substantive discussion on the agenda for the meeting the week before or after the election so the public could participate. The board agreed to schedule that discussion and to revisit long‑term options after the election.

Schulz also described contingency paths if the county cannot find a viable local candidate, saying the county could discuss the situation with the local judge and that, in some circumstances, a state appointment is possible. "If we cannot find a viable candidate ... my next option would be going to judge Hubbard and discussing it with him," he said.

The meeting ended after routine motions to adjourn, which also passed by voice vote.

The board did not take any additional formal actions on recruitment or salary at the meeting; Schulz said he would return with transition plans and options for the board to consider after the election.