- Audit of small Iowa town finds nearly $100,000 in improper transactions (Des Moines Register, 6/13/2023)
- An audit conducted in Cumberland, Iowa, revealed over $92,000 in mishandled financial transactions. The audit, covering the period from January 2014 to June 2021, identified improper disbursements totaling $58,532, including unauthorized payroll and reimbursements to a former city clerk and other city employees, as well as undeposited utility charges. State Auditor Rob Sand recommended implementing stronger financial controls to prevent similar issues in the future.
- Lawmakers aim to outsource Iowa audits. Auditor’s office says it’s ‘recipe for corruption’ (Des Moines Register, 2/14/2024)
- The Iowa Senate introduced a bill allowing state agencies to outsource annual audits, a move criticized by State Auditor Rob Sand’s office as a political maneuver to undermine Iowa’s sole statewide elected Democrat. The bill argues for efficiency and flexibility, comparing it to local government audits, but Sand’s office opposes it, stating concerns about potential corruption, increased costs, and limitations on the auditor’s oversight. The proposal follows a previous law limiting Sand’s investigative powers, sparking further debate on the autonomy of the auditor’s office.
- State Auditor advocates for lower degree requirements, sparks public job reform (CBS 2 Iowa, 5/1/2024)
- State Auditor Rob Sand advocates for lowering degree requirements in public sector positions to attract more diverse candidates, emphasizing alternative pathways like military service and on-the-job training. Sand’s proposal aims to address workforce shortages by tapping into a broader pool of talent and promoting inclusivity. This initiative has sparked discussions on the role of educational credentials in hiring practices and the potential impact on job quality and workforce diversity within the public sector.
- Iowa Auditor, inspections agency at odds over nursing home inspection frequency (The Gazette, 9/16/2024)
- Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand’s report highlights that the state is failing to meet federal standards for nursing home inspections. Federal regulations require inspections every 12.9 months, but Iowa’s current average is 17.1 months, exceeding the mandate by over four months. The Department of Inspections and Appeals disputes this, citing improvements in reducing overdue inspections, but Sand argues that more inspectors are needed to ensure the safety of nursing home residents.
