The Orange County Register has found that 1,482 County of Orange executive and administrative managers are taking a bonus up front, in a taxable cash payment, to the tune of $4.4 million in 2008. This bonus was intended “to pay for education and career improvement courses,” however the managers are now cashing out without taking those courses!
“They do not have to report on how the money is spent, fueling speculation among the rank-and-file that managers are using the perk for golf club memberships and gym dues,” according to the O.C. Register.
I wonder if Carlos Bustamante, who is a County manager and a Councilman in Santa Ana, took this bonus? I truly doubt he took any classes, although his infamous “water-bra” remarks indicate a need for him to take a harassment course.
Needless to say, it is rather cheesy for the County managers to receive these massive cash bonuses at a time when hundreds of County workers are being laid off. Why aren’t ANY of the Supervisors standing up for their workers?
Let’s see – my employer offers me several ways to take some extra pay, I analyze those ways and recognizing the time value of money I opt for the way that brings me cash the quickest, and gives me the most discretion on what I do with the money. Now, what should I choose? Hmmm. If nothing else, this shows that most managers are pretty astute financially.