FAST FACTS:
keli.rabon@wreg.com
(Memphis - 8/19/2009) High end fruit baskets from Harry & David, slabs of ribs from Rendezvous, even Starbucks gift cards -- only a few of of the Christmas gifts given to people you don't know, courtesy of the Memphis Human Resource Department.
HR Director Lorene Essex says, they were well-deserved.
"During Christmas, we try to give them a little something to express our appreciation for the work that they do," Essex said.
A little something that costs you the taxpayer big bucks -- paying for flowers, door prizes, and food. Last year alone, HR spent more than $33,000 on snacks and meals.
"I don't want you to mislead the public that we're feeding four course meals, because we're not," Dr. Rita Dorsey said.
But often times, people in appointed positions like the Pension Board and the Civil Service Board are treated to take-out. In December, a handful of commissioners on the Civil Service Board raked up a nearly $300 tab from Shelton's Fine Food Catering.
"It may be five to seven [people] or it could be more than that. It just depends on how long we're going to be there," HR Deputy Director Rhoda Gillespie said.
If you do the math, $300 divided by seven people is about $43 per person. That's $43 too much, according to Councilman Jim Strickland.
"There's no reason that you the taxpayer should pay for my lunch," Strickland said.
Strickland says he tried to cut frivolous spending in the budget this year, but fellow council members told him not to mess with their grub or block departments like Human Resources from playing Santa.
Strickland says these items are budgeted items, approved by the Council when the the budget was accepted this summer.
So don't mind the $500 HR employee bereavement meal at Neely's BBQ, or the $4800 Administrative Professional's lunch. It's just the price you pay to say "thanks."
"For that, we certainly want, or the administration previously, wanted to be able to say thank you for their contribution," Essex said.
Mayor Herenton's Office spent more than $15,000 on food last year, while the City Council spent more than $11,000 on snacks, drinks, and meals.
- The Memphis Human Resource Department spent more than $33,000 on food last year
- Gifts like fruit baskets and gift cards also top the list, costing taxpayers thousands of dollars
- One council member says there's nothing to prevent it, since the budget was approved with those items included
keli.rabon@wreg.com
(Memphis - 8/19/2009) High end fruit baskets from Harry & David, slabs of ribs from Rendezvous, even Starbucks gift cards -- only a few of of the Christmas gifts given to people you don't know, courtesy of the Memphis Human Resource Department.
HR Director Lorene Essex says, they were well-deserved.
"During Christmas, we try to give them a little something to express our appreciation for the work that they do," Essex said.
A little something that costs you the taxpayer big bucks -- paying for flowers, door prizes, and food. Last year alone, HR spent more than $33,000 on snacks and meals.
"I don't want you to mislead the public that we're feeding four course meals, because we're not," Dr. Rita Dorsey said.
But often times, people in appointed positions like the Pension Board and the Civil Service Board are treated to take-out. In December, a handful of commissioners on the Civil Service Board raked up a nearly $300 tab from Shelton's Fine Food Catering.
"It may be five to seven [people] or it could be more than that. It just depends on how long we're going to be there," HR Deputy Director Rhoda Gillespie said.
If you do the math, $300 divided by seven people is about $43 per person. That's $43 too much, according to Councilman Jim Strickland.
"There's no reason that you the taxpayer should pay for my lunch," Strickland said.
Strickland says he tried to cut frivolous spending in the budget this year, but fellow council members told him not to mess with their grub or block departments like Human Resources from playing Santa.
Strickland says these items are budgeted items, approved by the Council when the the budget was accepted this summer.
So don't mind the $500 HR employee bereavement meal at Neely's BBQ, or the $4800 Administrative Professional's lunch. It's just the price you pay to say "thanks."
"For that, we certainly want, or the administration previously, wanted to be able to say thank you for their contribution," Essex said.
Mayor Herenton's Office spent more than $15,000 on food last year, while the City Council spent more than $11,000 on snacks, drinks, and meals.
