Linn supervisors approve formal demand for computer

Linn County Auditor Joel Miller is ready to hand over the county-owned laptop that triggered his latest dispute with county supervisors.

Miller, who'd refused to deliver the laptop to county Finance Director Steve Tucker earlier this week, backed up the computer's hard drive during an appearance on Bob Bruce's 4 p.m. talk show on WMT Radio.

As they decided Monday, Linn County supervisors formally approved a letter Wednesday morning ordering Miller to deliver the laptop to Tucker, who's investigating Miller's hiring of a friend last fall. Records show the county paid the Kelly Services employment agency $37,342 for Joe Clarahan's work managing a software pr0ject.

While Stan Rogers, president of Information Services USA of  Hiawatha, copied the Dell laptop's files onto a portable hard drive, Miller restated his case that the allegation triggering Tucker's investigation was politically motivated, and that he wasn't legally bound to meet Tucker's May 4 deadline to turn over the laptop.

"You just don't tell me on April 30 you've got a formal investigation going for four weeks," said Miller. "I'm very suspicious of that."

Miller has argued state law doesn't require him to turn over the computer, just the data on it. He said the allegation that triggered the investigation was politically motivated in advance of the June 5 Democratic primary in which he faces two challengers.

"I think they're using strong-arm tactics and bullying me to get what they want," said Miller.

Supervisors said Tucker's investigation wouldn't have become public had Miller turned over the computer.

"The politicization of this issue was the work of the auditor," Supervisor John Harris, R-Palo, said at Wednesday morning's meeting. "I am concerned and distraught the circus continues."

Tucker will deliver a report to the supervisors after finishing his investigation.

Linn Supers Letter to Auditor