The State Comptroller's office says Rochester's public bus system needs policies to set guidelines for discretionary spending.
The recommendation comes from an audit of the Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority that looked at the bus company’s books from 2010 to 2012.
The report reviewed 54 payments for discretionary spending totaling more than $99,610 during that period.
The comptroller said RGRTA does not have policies to determine whether spending for things like meetings and other events, and memberships in professional organizations, sponsorships and training are appropriate and reasonable.
Some of the expenditures outlined in the report were two payments totaling $10,222 for food and site rentals for employee recognition events.
There were also two payments totaling $1,760 for Christmas gifts to Board members.
The comptroller said it found 11 payments for employee travel for training and conferences that were not justified.
RGRTA responded that the authority does have extensive internal controls in place to ensure that all of its expenses are proper.
The bus company said it has made some policy changes since the report was compiled. Those changes include requiring employees to obtain the government rate for lodging. RGRTA says this is reflected in a travel policy and procedure that went into effect in February, 2013.
