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FORT MYERS - An audit conducted in 2010 appears to have raised concerns over Edison State College's decision to give former president Dr. Ken Walker a Cadillac Escalade, according to the college's legal response.

The $60,000 Cadillac was paid for by the Edison Foundation, a non-profit, which raises money for scholarships and financial aid.

"I further understand that a question has arisen concerning a certain loan obligation incurred by the Foundation for the purchase of a vehicle for the use of the District President," the college's legal council wrote to the law firm conducting the audit.

The college justified giving Walker the Cadillac because the board of trustees "expressly approved" it knowing it  would be paid for by the Edison Foundation, according to the letter.

The letter, dated June 18, 2010, also states Walker could pick any car he wanted to and that it would be paid for by the Foundation - because it was written into his contract.

"The Edison College Foundation, Inc. will provide to Dr. Walker a vehicle of the President's choice and pay all costs and operating expenses," the letter says quoting Walker's contract.

That agreement was approved by the board of trustees in June 2006, according to the college's legal response.

Before Walker was given the Cadillac he was given a $20,000 a year car allowance in 2007-2008. The following year that dipped to $18,000. 

According to meeting agendas from the Edison Foundation, the board of trustees asked the foundation to "absorb the president's vehicle allowance as part of his overall compensation package."

Former board member David Klein told Fox 4 previously he doesn't remember ever signing off on a Cadillac for Walker and had no idea it was paid for with donor dollars.

Fox 4 is still working to see where the board signed off on the Escalade.

Matt Grant
mgrant@fox4now.com