Toll Money Covered Massages, Bonuses and Stays at Luxury Hotels

The tolling agency expects to collect more than 100 million dollars this year.

When was the last time you got a massage and a bonus at your company?

How about a stay at a Ritz Carlton?

E-470 employees enjoy some perks that most people haven’t enjoyed in quite a while.

Considering I’ve read countless angry emails from viewers complaining to 9News about E-470’s billing issues, I decided to look at where your toll money is going.

I didn’t think I would get far, because I assumed (I just moved here to Denver) E-470 was a private company that wouldn’t have to give me anything if I asked.

Behind E-470’s business operations is a government agency called the E-470 Public Highway Authority which describes itself as a political subdivision of the State of Colorado.

The board that manages E-470 is subject to open meetings laws and the Colorado Open Records Act.

So I filed a records request last month.

I found expenses that went to massages, a luxury hotel, and trips to all over the country and Europe for conferences.

E-470 employees, who are considered government workers, also received bonuses.

Keep in mind this is a government agency with a far different revenue system that is not based on taxes.

The system is based on your toll money and fees you pay when you register your car.

And the board just raised tolls again this month.

I sat down with the executive director of the agency about the expenses.  He defends the spending.

My story airs Sunday at 9pm and 10pm.