Audit finds questionable spending in Searsboro

Story Created: Jul 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM CDT Story Updated: Jul 23, 2008 at 10:41 AM CDT DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A state audit has identified more than $400,000 of questionable spending in the tiny central Iowa town of Searsboro. State Auditor David Vaudt released a report Wednesday detailing an investigation launched at the request of city officials who suspected misappropriation of city funds. The alleged misspending occurred between July 2000 and October 2006. City Clerk Diana McVay resigned in October 2006 after holding the job for 22 years. The investigation identified $93,574 in improper spending and undeposited collections. Another $310,746 couldn't be tracked down because the clerk didn't maintain records. Searsboro is a town of about 150 people, located 50 miles east of Des... [read full story]