Meet Our Mayor and Council

The City of Chariton functions as a Council-Manager form of government. Under the council-manager form, authority is concentrated in the elected council, which hires a professional administrator (City Manager) to implement its policies.

The City Council is responsible for making policy, passing ordinances, voting appropriations, and having overall supervisory authority in the city government. In such a government, the mayor acts as a member and presiding officer of the council. There are five (5) elected officials who serve staggered 4-year terms. In addition to hiring the City Manager, the City Council also hires the City Attorney who serves as the City’s primary legal adviser.

The City Council meets on the first and third Monday every month to conduct business in open public sessions. The Council meetings are held in the Chariton City Hall beginning at 5:00 p.m. In addition, the Council periodically schedules Special Meetings to address specific issues; such meetings are noticed for public information.

The city has a wide variety of Commissions, Committees, and Boards that are appointed by the City Council.

Mayor Jayma Hoch

Jayma Hoch is serving her third term on the Chariton City Council. She has worked at Lucas County Health Center for 25 years and is the Clinical/Disaster Services Manager. Hoch is a graduate of Mormon Trail Community School in Humeston. Jayma is a member of the Lucas County EMS Association, she serves as the Chair for the Lucas County Emergency Planning Committee, Service Area 1C Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition, Special Olympics of Iowa, Chariton Fire Department Auxiliary and is a member of Lakeview Golf and Country Club. She is a member of the Christian United Methodist Church in Humeston.
She and Steve Davis have 3 children, Miranda and husband Alex Greubel of rural Chariton, Meredith and husband Grant Widner of Chariton and Tyson Hoch of Chariton. Her biggest pride and joy are their three grandkids Banx, Granger and Layken. Other things she enjoys doing in her spare time is spending time with family and friends, camping, golfing, spending time watching our nephews with sporting and FFA activities and our annual camping at the Iowa State fair with friends and family.

Mayor Hoch can be reached by email at jaymacityofchariton@gmail.com

Council Member Steve Fenton

Steve Fenton is serving his second term on Chariton City Council. Steve was a member of the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years-1975-1995. Steve retired from the VA Medical after 30 years working on medical equipment and supervising trade shops in engineering service and from the Iowa Army National Guard with 25 years of service in 2000, including Desert Storm in 1991. He graduated from Russell Community High School in 1966 and attended Iowa State University. He has lived in Chariton since 1971 and been involved with numerous community projects (Vision II, Weight Training Building, Football Field Locker room and Food stands).

Steve can be reached by email at jsfenton@iowatelecom.net

Council Member Jarrett McGee

Jarrett McGee is serving his first term on Chariton City Council. Jarrett grew up in Chariton and is a graduate of Chariton High School. He graduated the University of Northern Iowa in 2022. He spent several years working in Denver, Colorado and decided to bring his family back to his hometown. Jarrett is married to his wife Alicia, and they have two sons, Felix and Milo. Jarrett works from home, and he enjoys spending time with his family and being outside being active.

Jarrett can be reached by email at jarrettmcgee@gmail.com

Council Member Gary Shutt

Gary Shutt is serving his first term on the Chariton City Council. He has worked at Hy-Vee Distribution Center for 26 years and is the Safety Department Manager. Gary is an Lieutenant on the Chariton Volunteer Fire Department. He is the newest member of Lucas County's Medical Examinator Investigator.
Gary and his wife Kerri, have 7 children. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with friends, family, and grandkids, camping and golfing.
Gary can be reached by email at gshuttcitycouncil@gmail.com

Council Member Cameron Storm

Cameron Storm is serving his 1st term on Chariton City Council. He is currently the Director of Inpatient Services and works as a Nurse Practitioner at Lucas County Health Center. Storm is a graduate of South Western Community College where he earned his Associate of Nursing degree. He then went to Chamberlain University where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in nursing before going on to complete a Master of Science in nursing and becoming a family Nurse Practitioner.
Storm is married to his husband Kent Storm. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his husband and their four dogs. He also loves traveling and exploring new places, golfing, socializing with friends and family and reading. He is a member of the First Lutheran Church in Chariton

Storm can be reached by email at cstormcityofchariton@gmail.com