A state audit shows a former clerk for a small northeast Iowa city improperly paid herself nearly $80,000 for almost a decade.

State Auditor David Vaudt’s report Tuesday on Masonville’s finances between March 2002 and November 2011 shows Christine King issued unauthorized checks to herself for payroll, reimbursements and mileage.

King told authorities she intended to balance the payments by not issuing future checks, but was unable to stop after her husband lost his job.

The report also shows administrative issues with how the mayor received payments for performing services for the city like mowing, snow plowing and acting as sewer operator. There also were documentation issues with payments to city council members.

Masonville is located in Delaware County and has a population of 130.