ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - An audit is finding fault with how a government-owned power company is spending the money of taxpayers from the 31 small Florida cities it serves.
The preliminary findings of the Florida Auditor General faulted Orlando-based Florida Municipal Power Agency with how it has spent tens of thousands of dollars on flowers, holiday parties, travel costs and gift cards to staffers for birthdays.
The audit also said the agency's board needs to rethink the severance compensation for its chief executive if he is fired. Under the current agreement, the CEO gets a half year's salary worth more than $137,000 and the agency will pay for his health insurance for the rest of his life, even if he is fired for cause.
The agency has a month to respond to the audit.
