State audit questions Eastern Iowa gambling center's spending

The director of a Davenport center for people with gambling problems was unable to account for more than $100,000 in state payments over two years, according to a state auditor's report released today.

The Eastern Iowa Center for Problem Gambling received 98 percent of its funding from the state, including $671,893 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008, according to the audit report (pdf). The state Department of Public Health also provided “a limited amount” of funding during the following fiscal year.

The center, which provided counseling and treatment to people with gambling problems, shut down in early 2009.

The audit  requested by the Department of Public Health found $114,212 in “improper and unsupported disbursements” during fiscal 2008, including $87,180 in overpayments for payroll, vacation time, and travel to the center's director, Janet Meisenbach. The audit found $27,032 went to charges for travel and retail purchases made on a credit card issued to the center.

Meisenbach, failed to provide requested documents so auditors could determine if further improper changes occurred, according to the report. “Several attempts to obtain access to the Center's records were met with resistance from Ms. Meisenbach,” according to the report.

The report has been turned over to the state Attorney General, the Scott County attorney, and the state Division of Criminal Investigation.