Top members of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed’s administration have received tens of thousands in payments for unused sick, vacation and compensatory time, though the city code provides no clear authorization for the payouts.
Atlanta Police Chief George Turner, the city’s top earner with a $241,000 annual salary, was paid $79,000 last November for hundreds of hours in unused vacation time, according to an investigation by Channel 2 Action News.
Two deputies in Reed’s administration each received payments nearing $30,000 for unused sick, vacation and comp time. And at least three other employees were given advance pay — effectively a loan against future earnings — since 2012.
Reed spokeswoman Melissa Mullinax said the administration believes it has the authority to give employees who are experiencing a “hardship” cash for unused time. But city officials couldn’t point to a section of the code allowing such payments.
At least one Atlanta city councilmember says the practice violates city code and usurps the council’s authority, and is calling for an investigation.
For the complete story, visit MYAJC.com.
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