LINCOLN— Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley is raising concerns about an increase in alleged misuse of public funds by local government employees, citing several recent investigations into personal spending on government credit cards and cash. Foley said his office has identified financial improprieties involving the villages of Merriman, Herman, and Alvo, the City of David City, and the Plains Historical Society, arguing that stronger oversight is needed to protect taxpayer dollars.

Among the cases, Foley's office alleged that a Herman village clerk made about $2,000 in personal purchases on a municipal credit card, though village officials said the charges resulted from billing errors and have since been repaid. In David City, officials said they cooperated with an investigation into an alleged $5,800 misappropriation by a former clerk-treasurer and have since implemented stricter financial controls, including multiple approvals for checks, payroll, and credit card use. Foley urged all local governments to strengthen internal controls to help prevent fraud and misuse of public funds.

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