DiNapoli Calls For Greater Transparency & Accountability From Port Authortity After Audit
NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli is calling out the Port Authority and its management of service contracts following an audit by his office.
According to DiNapoli, the Port Authority doesn't have documentation to support $1.18 billion of its $1.3 billion worth of contracts and agreements. He said a thorough review is needed to ensure both transparency and accountability.
"Close to 1.2 billion -- there was not the appropriate justification or documentation for why these outside services were being procured," DiNapoli said.
1010 WINS' Al Jones Hears From Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
Podcast
Those comments came in reference to -- among others -- a million dollar contract to change light bulbs, a multi-million dollar real estate consulting contract and cleaning contracts. DiNapoli said they are just a few of the things the PA should be doing themselves.
Spokesman Steve Coleman said the PA continues to focus on trimming the bottom line.
"We continue to implement new measures to manage the overtime aspect of these costs and are taking the comptroller's recommendations into account," Coleman said.
The Port Authority also said that expenses have remained flat for three consecutive years and that it was trying to reign in overall operating costs.
Despite those words, DiNapoli charged that the PA often hires an outside contractor even when the job is cheaper to do in-house.
SOUND-OFF: Share Your Thoughts In The Comments Section...
