No more bonuses for SEDC employees.
The Southeastern Economic Development Corp. board of directors recommended at its monthly meeting last night that the Redevelopment Agency approve its budget for fiscal year 2010. The total budget the agency is requesting is 25 percent lower than last year, eliminates all staff bonuses and places a freeze on staff salaries, according to a press release from the agency.
The budget reduces staffing costs at the agency by 17 percent while still meeting the requirements of a damning audit into SEDC released last year, the press release states. There are also reductions in administration costs and project expenses.
The agency has come under fire from the City Council this year and recently announced it was suspending its search for a new CEO to replace Carolyn Y. Smith, who resigned last year. The budget reductions mirror cutbacks and salary freezes at other city departments.