WBZ NEWSRADIO 1030 - Turnpke Authority workers rake in cash while agency starves

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08:52am EDT, 10/12/08

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Posted: Thursday, 24 July 2008 9:38AM

Turnpke Authority workers rake in cash while agency starves

Posted by: Reynold Joseph

BOSTON (AP) -- The Massachusetts Turnpike Authority paid 43 employees $100,000 or more last year even as it struggles with $2.4 billion in debt.

A payroll analysis by the Boston Herald found that the agency has 24 employees with six-figure salaries, while another 19 boosted their pay past the $100,000 mark with overtime work, including two who hang road signs.

The agency also paid 51 toll collectors $70,000 or more, with overtime.

Turnpike Executive Director Alan LeBovidge, credited with saving the agency millions of dollars by eliminating staff and reducing overtime, admitted that overtime is a burden, but defended the sign hangers as "highly skilled" workers.

Lawmakers are currently considering a plan to help the agency refinance $800 million in debt.

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