Hauck

City of Rugby Auditor Dawn Hauck submitted her letter of resignation at the city council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday. Hauck cited frustration with issues not being addressed. Her resignation is effective Sept. 19 though she plans to assist the city with its transition. Hauck also accepted a position as business manager with Rugby Public Schools. Hauck served as auditor for three years, replacing Karla Harmel, who held the position from September 2004 to September 2011.

“If I don’t say something, things will never change,” Hauck said, “and that’s not fair to all the employees here.”

Hauck did not go into detail at the council meeting, but presented each council member with her letter of resignation.

She wrote: “There are certain issues that have never been dealt with that have caused me to ignore the moral beliefs that make me who I am. I?have decided that it is not in my best interest to continue down that path and therefore must resign as City Auditor.”

Hauck told the Tribune the issues that she believes have not been addressed involve the public works department and a couple council members.

Hauck wrote: “I also hope the council members remember that they were elected to serve the taxpayers and not solely base decisions that help only a certain few.”

She continued: “Sweeping things under the rug that really should be dealt with immediately … is not accepatable.

“Job security should not be based on who you are, but rather your job performance. If an employee has the mentality that they are irreplacable they can become lazy and take things for granted.”

Ward 4 Council Member and public works committee chairman Terry Wentz said the issues Hauck aluded to have been addressed.

“I think everything has been addressed,” Wentz said. “You’re always gonna have issues with employees and you’re not going to please them all.”

Public Works Supervisor Rick Larson said he is unaware of issues Hauck had with his department.

Mayor Arland Geiszler praised Hauck, but declined to elaborate on a personnel issue related to the auditor’s frustrations.

“That situation was bothersome, but it has been addressed and hopefully resolved,” Geiszler said.

Ward 2 Council Member Dave Bednarz disagreed with the assessment.

“I feel exactly the same way (Hauck) does,” Bednarz said. “In fact, I might send in my letter too. I think issues weren’t addressed. These auditors are hard to replace.”

In a closing statement on the issue, Geiszler described Hauck as “probably one of the best auditors the City of Rugby has ever had.”