Dickinson County, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — State Auditor Rob Sand has released the annual audit for Dickinson County, and while the books show growth, they also reveal several red flags regarding taxpayer funds.

The report shows county revenues jumped nearly 68% last year to over $43 million dollars. This is attributed to higher property tax intake and capital grants.

However, Sand identified eleven findings of concern. Two departments reportedly handed out employee bonuses without Board approval, and the Sheriff’s office is under scrutiny for over $9,000 in payments to a private company owned by a Deputy Sheriff—a move auditors say may be a conflict of interest.
County officials have agreed to outsource those services moving forward and are currently working with a firm to tighten up their internal policies.

Other findings say the County’s overall financial “worth” or net position grew by 21.8%, or roughly 22.6 million dollars.