Audit shows West Liberty overbilled electric customers

DES MOINES - The city of West Liberty overbilled electric customers $259,000 for services over eight months ending in January, according to a report released Thursday by the State Auditor's Office.

The State Auditor's special audit for July 1, 2010, through Jan. 31 was requested by West Liberty officials concerned about fees and payments not deposited, the report states. The city fired Administrative Secretary Marivel 'Mari” Pearson Nov. 8, 2013.

The Auditor was unable to determine if utility payments, ambulance fees and other charges were properly recorded and deposited because of inadequate records, the report states.

The review did show the city overbilled electric customers $259,232 for service between May 15, 2013, and Jan. 15 because the former city administrator instructed utility staff to use a base rate from 1998, rather than an adjusted rate from 2007.

Copies of the report were filed with the Muscatine County Attorney, Iowa Attorney General and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. West Liberty, with a population of 3,700, is about 20 miles east of Iowa City on Highway 6.