Miller says he wants clearer definitions from Linn County supervisors

CEDAR RAPIDS - Auditor Joel Miller wants Linn County supervisors to more clearly define what's expected of him in the investigation into an employee allegation of financial misconduct.

Miller asked supervisors at Monday's work session to define the “work product” Finance Director Steve Tucker has requested. He also asked for help from the county's information technology staff to retrieve emails related to Joe Clarahan's work on a software project.

“I really need for you to give him some direction,” Miller told supervisors during the meeting's comment session.

Because their topics aren't posted on the meeting's agenda, supervisors can't respond directly to comments. Supervisors turned down Miller's request for a place on the day's agenda, referring him to work directly with Tucker and IT staff.

Miller said he's provided Tucker the county-owned laptop computer used by Clarahan, the contract under which Clarahan was hired, and invoices and work records. Miller hired Clarahan, whom he described as a close friend, to install software to manage maintenance of county-owned property.

Miller said state law sets a Friday deadline for him to turn the other information over to Tucker, but Supervisor Linda Langston, D-Cedar Rapids, said he has until May 29 to comply.

That's also the day Miller's lawsuit against the supervisors is scheduled to be heard in court. He filed suit after the supervisors refused to authorize the promotion of a deputy auditor to review independent accounts maintained by county department heads. The supervisors filed a countersuit, and both have been combined into a single case.

Miller said he needs supervisors to take official action on his request for guidance.

“Otherwise, it may give the impression you're setting me up for failure,” he said.