But the audit said the 90 percent figure was not based on reliable methodology.

It has since closed for lack of residents, the audit said.

In 2000, the audit says, the utility's payments to these other companies rose about 50 percent, to more than $600 million.

Instead, only two of 44 houses went to minorities, the audit said.

Inspectors found that about half of those examined worked, the audit said.

The audit said the office only collected $20 million that year.

The audit said such an environment "places taxpayer rights at risk in the collection process."

A 2010 audit said the company still did not provide effective price support.

The audit said the town was supposed to advertise for any job over $10,000.

But local officials had tipped off villagers, the audit said.