Audit: Los Angeles DOT workers earned 6 times more in overtime than other departments

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- An audit of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation found that workers in the traffic paint and sign division collected exorbitant amounts of overtime pay.

In fiscal 2013-2014, workers in the division received an average $48,000 in overtime, compared to the $8,300 average in many other city departments, according to a report released Tuesday by the Los Angeles city controller.

The city spent a total of $3.3 million on overtime for the traffic paint and sign division alone.

One superintendent effectively tripled his salary, receiving $155,310 in overtime in addition to his $78,000 annual salary.

The controller's office launched an investigation after receiving a tip that employees in the division did not work the overtime they were claiming. Upon investigation, auditors noted a 40 percent decline in the overtime reported.

Auditors recommended the department keep better records, update and implement overtime policies and develop an overtime plan.

DOT's new general manager Seleta Reynolds has accepted the recommendations, according to the controller's report.