Metra execs got special treatment, report suggests

Rules that apply to underlings didn't affect a select group of executives at Metra who were bestowed with perks and privileges, a report states.

Regional Transportation Authority directors are expected to discuss a review of Metra executives' compensation by accountants Ernst & Young today.

The audit found no material violations of the law but points out irregularities at the commuter rail agency. Metra top administrators' wages were similar to colleagues at other transit agencies across the nation, the report stated, although the executive director's salary was in the high range.

But Ernst & Young staff concluded that Metra operations were not subject to scrutiny by the full board of directors and under tight control of former Executive Director Phil Pagano.

Pagano committed suicide in May amid an investigation into financial misconduct, which found he wrongfully accepted at least $475,000 in vacation payouts.

Metra Acting Executive Bill Tupper criticized the report in a letter stating the agency wasn't given enough time to properly respond and that Ernst & Young failed to acknowledge reforms Metra directors are instituting. He also said the document contained misleading statements and inaccuracies.

Some of the findings in the report are:

Metra directors were out of the loop regarding salary increases for top officials.

Although use of pool cars was regulated, no official policies governing the use of company cars provided to three top administrators existed.

Executives disregarded written policies for credit card use by purchasing flight upgrades, magazine subscriptions, and also by failing to attach receipts for meals.

Employees with excess vacation time at the end of the year are allowed to carry days over or payouts only in rare cases, Metra policy states. However, the executive director, general counsel, chief financial officer, chief communications officer, and deputy executive director asked for and received exceptions to the rule.

As an incentive, Metra gave $25 monthly contributions to 401(K) plans for employees who were injury-free. Executives were ineligible for that program but three officials including the audit director received such payments.