WAVERLY -- A Waverly councilman in jail in Chickasaw County on a theft charge is also under scrutiny for allegedly violating a city junk vehicle ordinance.

Duane Liddle was contacted around August by Waverly police for allegedly having unsightly vehicles on his property, Assistant Chief Jerry Greenlee said. A citizen complained about vehicles apparently visible from a nearby golf course.

Greenlee said Liddle was warned about the violation and asked to take care of the problem. Liddle opted for a hearing with City Administrator Dick Crayne.

Following the meeting, Liddle was supposed to let police enter his property to investigate the issue, Crayne said. When that didn't happen, police got a search warrant to look for the vehicles.

Police counted about 16 vehicles that qualified as junk, Greenlee said. According to city code, a junk vehicle is not regularly operated and has broken parts, such as damaged windows or doors.

In addition to upholding an aesthetic community standard, the ordinance is designed to prohibit vehicles that might house rodents or contain flammable items, Greenlee added. Exceptions to the rule include vehicles on the property for less than 60 days or vehicles stored inside a structure.

"In most instances, people take care of it," Greenlee said.

He said Liddle has been an exception.

Liddle has operated a body shop in the past, Greenlee said, but that business was at a different address. Liddle also runs a nonprofit that helps youth gain workplace experience by building electric powered cars.

On Friday, Liddle was arrested on a Chickasaw County warrant for second-degree theft. New Hampton police say Liddle knowingly wrote a check between $3,000 and $3,500 on an account with insufficient funds. Bond was set at $9,750.

Several city officials, including the mayor, were surprised by the allegation, calling Liddle a diligent councilman. Liddle, elected at-large last fall, has a reputation for being a vocal critic of government overspending.

City Attorney Gerald Carney said Liddle could be removed from office if convicted on the theft charge.

Liddle will face a hearing on the junk vehicle issue before the City Council at 7 p.m. Oct. 23.

The Courier was unable to reach Liddle for comment.

Contact Karen Heinselman at (319) 291-1581 or karen.heinselman@wcfcourier.com.