DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Newly released records are raising questions about the planned $17 million move of an Iowa agency led by an official abruptly fired by Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Former Iowa Finance Authority Director Dave Jamison requested in February to relocate the agency from state-owned offices to a long-term lease in another building, the Des Moines Register reported . Jamison said the current building was in poor condition and unable to meet long-term needs.
The Iowa Executive Council is tasked with approving the state’s real estate transactions. The council approved Jamison’s request for a more than 10-year lease with Hubbell Realty at an approximately 43,000-square-foot building.
Records indicate the five-member council wasn’t informed that a third-party recommended the agency stay put, which would save about $6 million.
Waukee architecture firm Design Alliance reviewed the building last year and found that renovating it would be the best option, according to records. That recommendation wasn’t included in multiple presentations to the authority’s board and the council.
Rob Sand, a former assistant attorney general and Democratic candidate for state auditor, requested the information through a public records request. He has asked the council to reconsider the plan.
“This is an opportunity for good public servants to ensure that this decision is revisited, and that taxpayer money is not wasted,” Sand said.
Council member and State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald is reviewing if the council has the authority to rescind its decision.
The lease was signed with Hubbell, making the authority legally obligated to proceed, said Carolann Jensen, the authority’s interim director.
Reynolds fired Jamison in March for “credible allegations of sexual harassment.” Jamison didn’t return the newspaper’s requests for comment.
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Information from: The Des Moines Register, http://www.desmoinesregister.com
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