ATLANTA – Transit Authority’s Spending Comes Under New Scrutiny

ATLANTA – Transit Authority’s Spending Comes Under New Scrutiny

Days after an audit revealed that the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) may have overcharged taxpayers by millions, one state lawmaker is demanding a closer look. The audit, carried out by Cobb County-based accounting firm Mauldin and Jenkins, suggested errors in spending and reporting practices that could total up to $70 million.

State Representative Deborah Silcox, who chairs the joint legislative committee known as MARTOC (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee), has raised concerns over these findings. In a letter sent earlier this week, Silcox called for a second audit to ensure fairness and accuracy. “I want to make sure that it was fair to the city of Atlanta and to MARTA,” she said. Silcox specifically questioned the methodology used by Mauldin and Jenkins and noted that MARTA’s responses weren’t included in the audit’s final report, which she found concerning.

Audit Findings and Disputes

The audit revealed that between 2020 and 2022, MARTA made errors totaling about $20 million. However, the more contentious issue pertains to an additional $40 million alleged overcharge for expanded bus and train services from 2017 to 2019. MARTA has disputed this claim, asserting that the auditors utilized a flawed formula to calculate these numbers.

In her letter to MARTA officials on Tuesday, Silcox voiced her unease about the audit’s process and results. “They are periodically required to submit audits to the committee and it is our job as a committee and my job as chairman to review those audits and to make sure that the money is being spent wisely,” she explained.

Another Set of Eyes

Currently, KPMG is conducting a separate audit paid for by MARTA, expected to be completed by August 31st. Silcox emphasized the need for another professional opinion, asking KPMG to review Mauldin and Jenkins’ initial findings. “I just would like to see another set of numbers and another professional opinion about this whole situation,” she stated, aiming to clear any doubts about the audit’s accuracy.

City’s Response

A city spokesperson responded to the rising concerns by emphasizing the transparency and legitimacy of the audit: “The audit speaks for itself, and the scope and parameters were agreed upon by both parties after protracted pushback by MARTA. However, Mayor Dickens looks forward to engaging with MARTA leadership to execute all recommendations with urgency for the good of Atlantans and the entire region.”

Though it’s unclear how long KPMG will take to complete their audit or review Mauldin and Jenkins’ findings, Silcox affirmed that MARTOC will scrutinize everything in great detail. “We will be looking at everything very closely to ensure that taxpayer money is being used wisely and transparently,” she promised.

This unfolding situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the efficient management of public funds and the importance of oversight in large public projects. Both the city of Atlanta and MARTA have expressed intentions to resolve these matters swiftly and transparently for the benefit of the community.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.