HAZLETON - The state auditor is recommending changes in how the city conducts business in the wake of last year's devastating tornado.

Among David Vaudt's suggestions is the idea officials develop a written policy detailing how the city disposes of scrap metal. Vaudt also recommended the city's purchasing policy be reviewed with an eye toward perhaps changing the specified dollar amount and the number of items allowed.

Vaudt initiated the review "as a result of a citizen's concerns" about Mayor Roger Carson's efforts to dispose of 480 pounds of aluminum.

The tornado May 25 started in Butler County but created significant damage in Buchanan County as well. In Hazleton, according to Vaudt's report, the storm pulled down 2,000 feet of power lines on city property.

Central Iowa Power Cooperative owned the wires but allowed the city to remove them. Carson volunteered to handle the task, and a relative, Joe Steggall, collected $240 for the aluminum to a salvage yard.

According to Vaudt's report, Carson initially stated he received and turned over $75 to the city. He later said he received $150 and turned over $75. Steggall apparently kept some of the money, according to Vaudt's report.

Donations the city received after the tornado were also an issue. Cash went into an envelope but no one recorded the amount, and the money was never deposited into a city account.

Carson's wife - who stepped in to help at City Hall because staff members were unavailable - volunteered to buy gift cards with the donations. The intent was to distribute the cards to victims of the tornado, according to the report.

Carson during a council meeting said his wife bought nine $50 cards, but auditors were only able to confirm the purchase of only six at a local bank and distribution of only five.

"Neither the purchase of the gift cards nor their subsequent distribution were discussed with or approved by the City Council," according to the Vaudt's report.

The auditor's office also investigated the purchase of two filing cabinets Carson bought in North Liberty. One was meant for City Hall, the other for the Hazleton Fire Department.

Because fire department officials hadn't discussed the issue, they refused the cabinet. Carson later sold it but requested the city reimburse his mileage to North Liberty.

Council members denied Carson's request for mileage and reimbursement of the one file cabinet.

According to Vaudt, the Buchanan County Attorney's Office received a copy of the report. It is also available in the Hazleton City Clerk's Office and online at auditor.iowa.gov/specials/specials.htm.

Contact Dennis Magee at (319) 291-1451 or dennis.magee@wcfcourier.com.