CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- TVA officially has thanked Bradley County commissioners for their concern about what the commission called excessive salaries for agency employees.
A letter from TVA Board Chairman Dennis C. Bottorff responds to the commission's resolution expressing concern about the bonuses recently given to employees -- averaging about $6,900 each -- and tripling this year's salary for TVA President Tom Kilgore, who will earn about $3.6 million.
DOCUMENT DOWNLOADSPDF: TVA Response on Resolution 12.17.2010
Commissioner Jeff Yarber said in early December that today's financial climate is not the time for substantial bonuses. The resolution, which some commissioners said was not a county issue, called on TVA to reconsider.
"We appreciate the commission's acknowledgment of TVA's need for skilled people, and it is essential that TVA attract and retain a capable work force at all levels," Bottorff wrote. "During 2010, TVA employees delivered on our performance goals."
At the same time, the letter states, TVA is helping drive the economic recovery across its seven-state region. Tough economic times makes TVA's mission to provide reliable low-cost power more critical, the letter states.
Commissioner J. Adam Lowe called the letter "delicately worded."
"My comments were to the effect that we are simply communicating with a partner, TVA, for patrons of their power," Lowe said.
On Tuesday, TVA joined the two-year pay freeze adopted by Congress. The freeze does not affect the bonuses.
Contact Randall Higgins at rhiggins@timesfreepress.com or 423-314-1029.