State Auditor Rob Sand today released a report on a special investigation into the financial records of the City of Baxter, which shows the potential loss of over $90,000. The special investigation dealt with the city’s financial records from July 1, 2021, through February 29, 2024, and was requested by City officials who had concerns regarding certain financial transactions processed by former employees, Former Police Chief William Daggett,  Former City Clerk Katie Wilson, and Former EMS Coordinator Randi Gliem.

According to Sand, the special investigation identified $75,073.73 of improper disbursements, $11,294.57 of unsupported disbursements, and $3,814.88 of unbilled, uncollected, and over-collected utility billings. However, because City records were not sufficiently maintained, the State Auditor says it’s not possible to determine if additional amounts were improperly disbursed or if additional utility transactions were improperly recorded or not properly billed and/or collected. Sand noted $51,275.62 of improper payroll costs and excess comp-time payments were paid to Daggett, while Wilson collected $3,509.55 of similar payments. Another $1,461.09 of improper payroll costs and excess vacation balance payout were paid to Gliem.

The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office acknowledges the release of the State Auditor’s report and is aware of its findings. Sheriff Brad Shutts says due to the ongoing investigation and related legal considerations, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office will not be providing any additional information or comments at this time.

Copies of the report have also been filed with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Jasper County Attorney’s Office, and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. The public can review the report on the Auditor of State’s website at Special Interest Reports, which can be found here.