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Regional Transit Authority board decided to terminate CEO Michael Ford during a meeting determining whether his contract would be renewed.

(Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News)

DETROIT -- The Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan terminated CEO Michael Ford's contract at a Thursday board meeting, following an investigation into unusually high travel expenses charged to the taxpayer-funded authority.

Ford was working on a $200,000 per year contract that wasn't set to expire until October, and will be paid $161,000 for the remainder, said RTA spokesman Mario Morrow.

Interim CEO Tiffany J. Gunter

Tiffany J. Gunter, who had been deputy CEO, will serve as interim CEO until a permanent replacement is hired, the authority announced.

The authority's executive committee decided to sever ties with Ford after looking into unusually high hotel, airfare and meal expenses paid with public funds.

"The end result was there was a mutual understanding and agreement between Michael Ford and the executive committee and the board explained they should terminate his contract," Morrow said.

Ford paid back nearly $19,000 to the authority after the questionable expenses came to light.

"Michael came to the RTA and served as our first CEO," said RTA Chairman Paul Hillegonds in a news release. "He was instrumental in the completion of the Master Plan, creation of the Reflex Service and building an awareness of the need for a regional transit system in southeast Michigan. However, the board felt it was time to move in a new direction."

Ford was named CEO in late 2014 and led the effort to put a $4.6 billion millage proposal on the November 2016 ballot to boost public transportation, but the millage was rejected by voters.

Ford previously held a position as CEO of the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, where his expenses also came under scrutiny after $40,000 in taxpayer funds were spent on meals in a five-year span.

Records showed Ford would pick up tabs for guests, colleagues and local community leaders.

"We are extremely elated that Mrs. Gunter has accepted to step in during a time of need. She is capable and without question ready to serve," Hillegonds said.

Gunter served as deputy CEO and COO since 2014. Her experience includes: securing contracts and managing major planning projects for the RTA, developing a balanced budget with modest funding, assisting in creating policies for the board, hiring and managing and working with transit providers and senior political leadership in the region, according to the RTA news release.