Hall said he hasn’t been able to find much proof of actual work being done over the three-year period Hughes was paid for.
Proof of work is also not something that companies require; but perhaps the government should have at least some paperwork about it. The official who hired this contractor should have all the answers to that.
The 3-year period tells us more. Normally he would work 40 hr/week, and with 52 weeks per year he'd earn $208,000 per year (before taxes.) So over three years he would earn $624K for his time, and the rest should be expenses. After taxes and medical insurance he would be left with about $140-150K per year, which is a good compensation for a competent engineer. Some earn more.
If you ask me, that's exactly what employees cost to businesses. Maybe the government expects consultants to work for $25K/yr? A specialist, perhaps a licensed engineer, knows his price.
Agreed - the rates are reasonable. Would be good to have a better explanation on his services. I would imagine the investigation will figure that out talking with the various folks and departments that he worked for.
Although I do wonder why some state DOT consultant is running all over the country. I know all the various professional organizations have trade shows, conferences with speakers, etc. to gain knowledge and make contacts. But a lot of it is a boondongle.
(My kid’s orthodontist sent a Christmas card from Hawaii, where the whole office had gone for some orthodontist meeting. Ba Humbug.)
Reminds me. I have to redo an invoice. The state doesn’t want the expenses in per diem - they want it on receipts. (The last project it was the other way around...)