Senator skewers Metra consultant fees

A state senator criticized Metra and the Regional Transportation Authority Monday for excessive spending on consultants to clean house following a misconduct scandal.

Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat, also faulted transit agencies for not making public subsequent audits and investigation reports.

Metra officials countered that while outside experts come at a cost they provide valuable advice on what went wrong and how to avoid future problems.

Metra has hired a number of consultants related to former Executive Director Phil Pagano's misuse of funds, including taking at least $475,000 in unauthorized vacation pay. Pagano committed suicide in May.

Garrett cited concerns with a $100,000 contract with Metra's interim inspector general Hillard Heintz that is expected to reach $500,000; a five-year, up to $2.5 million contract with lawyers Johnston and Greene to advise the Metra board; and a contract with auditors Blackman Kallick for up to $240 an hour.

"The amount of money is unprecedented," Garrett said. "They're spending taxpayer money as if they're not running a deficit."

Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet said the board of directors had to act quickly amid the scandal to put an interim inspector general in place to address complaints and concerns from employees and the public. Regarding the other firms, she said it was essential Metra have independent attorneys and auditors advising the board on tightening employee policies and financial controls.

"When you have broad abuses by an executive director, these are small prices to pay for the entire future," Pardonnet said. "We know every taxpayer dollar is sacred."

Garrett also was skeptical of the money spent on a 10-month, up to $400,000 contract with Culloton Strategies, a public relations firm.

Pardonnet said the agency's communications department is understaffed and the Culloton firm is assisting with issues related to Pagano and the Union Pacific North Line construction. In addition, the firm is providing design services, assistance with presentations to the board, long-term projects and crisis communications, Dennis Culloton said.

In addition, Garrett took the RTA to task for not releasing an audit of executive compensation at Metra that Ernst & Young is performing at a cost of up to $124,000.

RTA spokeswoman Diane Palmer said the agency will release the report at its Oct. 21 board meeting. "It's of utmost importance the audit is conducted with due diligence," she said.