SAN JOSE, Calif. (KCBS) -- A city audit of San Jose's retirement department has revealed wasteful behavior and questionable judgment by traveling board trustees.
The findings included bills for $400-a-night hotels in areas where lodging was available at half the price, multiple car rentals by officials traveling together, and excessive charges for short-term parking when long-term rates were available.
The auditor's report also found at least two trustees' claims that appeared to deliberately exceed their actual expenses. Even the travel agency the department used, which was run by a retired city police officer, was reportedly charging four times the normal fees.
San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed said the retirement boards failed to document some $50,000 in travel expenses. "It's clear that some of the documentation is erroneous and that there's some missing documentation but the intent of the individuals is certainly not demonstrated in the audit."
The audit, which reviewed $260,000 in travel expenses incurred from July 2005 to February 2008, called for greater transparency for the retirement boards and tighter policies.
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KCBS' Matt Bigler reports
