The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan says CEO Michael Ford repaid nearly $19,000 following a report that he claimed about $37,000 in expenses including airfare, luxury hotel rooms and out-of-town meals over 2½ years.
RTA spokesman Mario Morrow tells The Detroit News (http://detne.ws/2mLDxXZ ) the payment Thursday "addresses some contract issues" and other issues remain under review.
Expense reports the News obtained through the Freedom of Information Act raised questions about the RTA's spending and financial controls while it weighs asking voters for billions of dollars in tax revenue to support regional transit.
The repayment covered cellphone overpayments, mileage and insurance and health care benefits that Ford should not have received.
Ford issued a statement saying internal controls over his expenses were weak.
His $200,000 annual contract expires in October.
