The Buffalo News : World & Nation

Friday, July 10, 2009

subscribe now

$850,000 bonus only a mirage

Story tools:

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Oklahoma officials said that a typographical error resulted in a state employee receiving a bonus of $850,000 but that it was only temporary.

Jo Harris was supposed to receive an $850 longevity bonus for working at the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission for seven years, but a misplaced decimal point turned that into an apparent six-figure windfall.

Officials said they caught the error before the $850,000 left the state treasury.

Harris’ original paycheck issued in February was canceled, and a new one was issued with the correct bonus. Officials told Harris about the mistake and asked her to look for the deposit in her personal bank account.

She said she would let state officials know right away if the extra money entered her account because “I don’t go to jail for anybody.”



Buffalo News Video


Breaking News Video

Breaking 24 Hour News

more >>

More National Stories

Most Popular, Last 24 Hours