Misused public fundsTransparencyOversight & ethics enforcement
Iowa Supreme Court limits state auditor's access to Davenport closed-session recordings on $1.9 million in settlements
Confidence: Corroborated · 2 sourcesDavenport · Oct 13, 2026
Subject of this story
Davenport City Council
Also named
Oversight
Iowa Office of Auditor of State
What happened
On April 17, 2026 the Iowa Supreme Court held that attorney-client privilege limits the Iowa Auditor of State's subpoena power, blocking the auditor's effort to obtain recordings of 2023 closed-door Davenport City Council sessions about harassment-claim settlements totaling about $1.9 million. The council approved the settlements publicly in December 2023; allegations arose that they were agreed before the November 2023 city election and announced afterward. The auditor's office continues to investigate the payments. The privilege belongs to the city as the client, so the council itself can choose whether to assert or waive it.
Sources (2)
Iowa Capital DispatchThe Iowa Supreme Court has blocked efforts by the state auditor to access City of Davenport communications about $1.9 million in taxpayer-funded settlements.
KWQCThe city refused, saying the discussions were protected by attorney-client privilege.
Response
Davenport City Council
Statement given
Contacted and responded — exact wording not on record.
What happened next (0)
No outcome recorded yet.