The Philadelphia Parking Authority is facing a probe from Pennsylvania's auditor general following multiple sexual harassment allegations.
State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale announced Monday he is launching an audit into the authority to determine if the city agency has adequate employment policies relating to sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. DePasquale did not provide a timetable for the audit, but stated "we're going to be very aggressive with it."
Fitch Ratings affirmed the authority's A-minus rating on roughly $131.7 million of outstanding series 2008 and 2009 parking revenue bonds in late 2015. Fitch assigned a stable outlook, but noted that it could change to negative if there is a sustained decline in parking transactions or a "substantial shift" in favor of off-site parking that is not offset by commensurate rate increases.
The Philadelphia Parking Authority press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the audit.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf sent a letter to State Attorney General Bruce Beemer last Friday requesting an investigation into the parking authority last Friday saying it lacked adequate oversight.
"As stewards of the taxpayer's resources, it is our job to make sure every office of government is delivery value honesty, efficiently, and effectively," said Wolf in his letter. "Recent events make it clear that we cannot say with any certainty that the Philadelphia Parking Authority is living up to this standard."
