Testimony in trial involving Linn County auditor, supervisors wraps up

Court proceedings ended this morning in the lawsuit pitting two versions of county auditors' legal authority and duties.

Judge Paul Miller gave attorneys representing Linn County Auditor Joel Miller and the county's board of supervisors another 30 days to file their findings of fact and preferred orders. The judge will file an opinion after reviewing their arguments, likely in another 30 to 60 days.

Joel Miller sued the supervisors in February 2010 after they voted to reject his appointment of a deputy auditor. Auditor Miller intended to have the deputy auditor perform internal audits of other county departments' accounts.

The supervisors voted to reduce deputy auditors from four to three. Supervisor Ben Rogers, who made the motion for that action, testified Wednesday morning.

Joel Miller filed suit accusing the board of interfering with his office's statutory powers. The supervisors countersued,

arguing county auditors don't have authority under state law to conduct internal audits. The two suits were combined.