Some privileges revoked:

State administrators deactivated the credit and travel cards of Arizona State Board of Cosmetology Director Donna Aune after an audit found inappropriate uses of public funds. The agency’s procurement — or buying — authority is being revoked, as well.

State administrators deactivated the credit and travel cards of Arizona State Board of Cosmetology Director Donna Aune after an audit found inappropriate uses of public funds.

The Arizona Department of Administration also is revoking the agency’s procurement —or buying — authority “in the interest of ensuring the proper and ethical use of public dollars.”

Megan Rose, an ADOA spokeswoman, said it is rare for her agency to step in and deactivate credit cards because of questionable spending.

She said no determination has been made whether to refer the case to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

Aune, who a staff member said has

been director for more than 18 years, could not be reached Friday, when the action was made public.

The state cracked down on Aune, who is paid $109,725 a year, after an audit found:

» Aune was reimbursed for meals during out-of-state travel, when meals were provided by conferences or hotels. She also obtained repayment for meals not eligible for reimbursement, and arrived at conferences earlier or departed later than what appeared reasonable.

» Aune was reimbursed for mileage beyond what appeared reasonable on two separate trips to Laughlin, Nevada. Aune also has not supplied investigation and inspection records to justify the reasons for the trips.

» Some cosmetology board employees were reimbursed for meals while driving to local-area inspections and investigations that were not eligible for reimbursement.

» One board member was reimbursed more than double the actual trip mileage on two separate occasions, while an employee was reimbursed twice for the same travel claim, resulting in overpayment of nearly $1,095. The report did not indicate if the state was seeking reimbursement from the employee, who was not identified and has retired.

» Some employees used the agency’s credit card for personal use at grocery, retail and convenience stores and gas stations. The report did not indicate if the state would seek reimbursement from those employees.

» Some purchases made with state credit cards were not for valid public purposes. Among such purchases were foods for employees, holiday decorations, treats and beverages for board meetings and gifts for conference attendees.

» The board hired two former Cosmetology employees as independent contractors, but did not make the required alternative payments to the Arizona State Retirement System.

» The board executed contracts with two independent contractors that exceeded its delegated authority of $10,000.

Neither Aune nor the board responded to the state’s findings in the audit.

The agency’s mission is to ensure the public health, welfare, and safety through education and enforcement of state cosmetology laws and rules, and by regulating salons, cosmetology schools and individuals who practice cosmetology.

Cosmetology board members are Gary Begley, Karla Clodfelter, Jessica M. Stall-Rainbow, Melissa C. Porter, Charlie C. Phan and Thomas Rough. One seat is vacant.