Recovery of Dubuque County ARPA funds ‘very unlikely;’ investigation stalls amid lawsuit

The investigation into the loss of more than $524,000 of Dubuque County funds meant for Dyersville, Iowa, continues — almost two years after the money was intercepted by a third party in November 2023. The $524,283.88 in American Rescue Plan Act funds was intended to help pay for a stadium being built at the Field of Dreams, but a third party hacked a city of Dyersville email account to intercept the funds, according to officials. The loss of funds has led to legal action, and debates over who is responsible became a sticking point during last fall’s county auditor race. County officials continue to assert that the money is not expected to be recovered. The jury trial is set to take place on Feb. 16, 2027, according to Jenny Weiss, an attorney from Fuerste, Carew, Juergens & Sudmeier, P.C., representing the city of Dyersville in the lawsuit.