Facing criticism and questioning from local lawmakers after deciding to award executives $1.7 million in bonuses, Erlanger Health System officials announced Thursday evening that they will put the payments on hold.
The public hospital board voted Dec. 4 to approve bonuses for the 99 managers, including more than $234,000 for CEO Kevin Spiegel.
Since then, the Hamilton County legislative delegation has harshly criticized the move, saying the hospital had not proven that it can afford bonuses. Legislators also questioned whether board members had deliberated on the payments behind closed doors before the vote.
"In light of those questions and in the spirit of cooperation, the board and management decided to hold payments until this issue has been addressed," a statement released by hospital officials Thursday said.
The decision will not affect the 2 percent raise employees are to receive in January, the statement said.
Read complete story in Friday's Times Free Press.