Linn County auditor sues the supervisors

Linn County Auditor Joel Miller filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Board of Supervisors, accusing them of interfering with his office's powers and asking the court to order supervisors to approve his appointment of a deputy auditor.

The lawsuit is the result of a feud between Miller and the supervisors that started in December when he removed long-time Deputy Auditor Sue Wold. His plan was to replace her with someone who would conduct internal audits of county spending.

The supervisors thought an internal auditor should serve under them, and when Miller appointed employee Karen Heiderscheit to the position, supervisors refused to sign her payroll authorization and ultimately eliminated the position altogether.

Miller attempted to appoint Heiderscheit to a temporary deputy's post, but supervisors argued he couldn't do this because no such position existed.

Miller's suit asks the court to order the supervisors to restore Wold's old position and approve Heiderscheit's appointment.

The supervisors last week approved funding for Miller to hire a lawyer to file the suit and represent his office. The supervisors will be represented by the county attorney's office.

Miller Lawsuit