BOSTON -- An investigation by Team 5 Investigates is raising serious questions about how Massachusetts tax dollars are spent by agencies that fight mosquitoes.

With the state facing a major budget crisis, Team 5 found workers at mosquito control projects around the state getting cars, free trips and free training, all paid for by the taxpayers.

"This is the best example I've ever heard of government out of control," said Barbara Anderson of Citizens For Limited Taxation.

Team 5 Investigates spent months combing through the budgets of all nine mosquito control projects in Massachusetts.

None of the projects answers directly to the cities and towns they work for and they can spend in virtual secrecy.

"To have a $10 million effort that has no review, it's not a good way to run a business," said Pine DuBois, executive director of the Jones River Watershed Association.

Statewide, in a two-year period, Team 5 Investigates found $96,606.32 spent on trips to destinations such as Orlando and Atlantic City.

Some employees were hired without any formal experience in the field.

Plymouth County Superintendent Tony Texeira taught high school geography and sold computers prior to being hired by the district.

"Why do you think you're qualified for this job?" asked NewsCenter 5's Sean Kelly.

"I've got two years under my belt and my last review was exceptional," said Texeira.

Workers at Plymouth County Mosquito Control did the most traveling. They attended eight conferences at a cost of $39,411.82, and as many as 18 workers went to one conference.

Texeira first said the trip was necessary for licensing, but later said that was not correct.

Other expenses include $2,139 for a new high-definition television and DVD player.

"Insane, this goes beyond wasteful," said Anderson.

In Taunton, Bristol County Mosquito Control workers are suing the state for trying to stop their pay raise. Wayne Andrews, the superintendent, wants a $22,000 increase.

"If they want to have a lawsuit because they're not getting a pay raise, fire them," said Anderson.

Team 5 Investigates also found that in almost every district, every full-time worker has their own vehicle.

Some districts have more vehicles than employees who can drive them. In Newburyport, the Northeast Mosquito Control Project has 23 trucks for nine workers.

Cape Cod Commissioner J. Gregory Milne has asked for a 2.5 percent increase in their $1.6 million budget to keep services level funded.

"How does this district justify asking for more money?" asked Kelly.

"We're not asking for any huge amount; we're asking for what's reasonable," answered Milne.

Milne claims all of the cities and towns in his district support the increase. The state does not.

Every project reports to the state Reclamation Board.

The agency has "implemented spending controls and better oversight of mosquito control district operations and is moving aggressively to ensure a more transparent process that allows greater confidence in district functions and activities at the municipal and state level," said Catherine Williams, board spokeswoman.

The state legislature also shares responsibility, particularly Sens. Therese Murray and Robert O'Leary. They pushed through a law in August 2008 that gives the mosquito control projects the right to hire and fire whoever they choose and increase their salaries whenever they want.

"It's a horrible misuse of taxpayer money," said DuBois.

Gov. Deval Patrick did try to reign in the spending by vetoing the legislation, but lawmakers on Beacon Hill overrode his veto.