The state auditor says his review of five troubled regional housing authorities shows problems with all of them but that Albuquerque-based Region III was the worst for abuse and mismanagement.

Auditor Hector Balderas says in addition to previously publicized problems, his auditors found questionable reimbursements to Region III board members or employees that included a Las Vegas trip, private club membership, alcohol, and flowers.

He said investigators also found many instances of inappropriate per diem payments to board members and employees.

The authority already is under investigation by a grand jury because it defaulted on payments for $5 million in bonds it sold the state.




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