Audit: Iowa jobs office didn't monitor spending

DES MOINES (AP) - A state audit alleges that the Iowa Workforce Development failed to track spending for a computer system that handled unemployment insurance taxes.

In a report issued recently, state auditors say they couldn't determine the cost of the nine-year project because the agency's budgets were vague and rules on competitive bidding weren't followed, among other problems.

Workforce Development officials say they spent about $12 million on the project, but auditors couldn't verify the figure. Their report covers spending that started in 2001.

The auditors have made recommendations for improvement. Workforce Development officials say they believe they are now in full compliance with regulations.

A spokeswoman for Gov. Chet Culver says staff was reviewing the report. She didn't have immediate comment.