Metro workers and their families partied in style at a Chesapeake Bay resort last month, celebrating the launch of a new financial program with a dinner and beach party.
The Aug. 19 party was at Herrington on the Bay in Rose Haven, Md., which touts itself as a resort geared for weddings and corporate events offering catered meals and “lush landscaping with magnificent waterfront vistas.” An invitation given to Metro employees encouraged them to bring their families to the event running from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. by saying “many exciting things to do! Bring swimwear for the beach, kayaks, Frisbees, etc.” Dinner was slated to be served promptly at 5 p.m.
But before Metro riders lodge protests, take note: The festivities didn’t any use fare dollars or cost taxpayers a dime, according to the transit agency.
Metro’s chief financial officer, Carol Dillon Kissal, paid for the entire thing herself, said Metro spokesman Dan Stessel.
“This was not a Metro event,” Stessel wrote in an e-mail. “It took place after business hours and no Metro funds were used.”
Kissal had caught flak in 2010 after using agency funds to hand out $2,000 bonuses and personal iPads to several workers as a reward for working long hours to complete a project.
The cost for the party was not available. Kissal did not return an e-mail for comment and Stessel would not discuss the cost.
But Kissal is the third top earner at the agency, pulling in $235,000 in 2010.
