SAN DIEGO: The downtown redevelopment authority will freeze bonuses and raises for employees through June.

Centre City Development Corp. Chairman Fred Maas said this step is prudent, given the national economic turmoil. Several residents suggested cuts to CCDC at city budget hearings yesterday.

Maas said business travel will probably end and consultant contracts will be scrutinized, as he looks to cut expenses another 5 percent.

This is the first serious belt-tightening in recent years by the downtown authority, which is quasi-independent but runs on downtown property taxes and answers to the City Council.

CCDC has been criticized for giving stellar paychecks and bonuses. At least a handful of top executives at the 55-person organization earn more than $100,000. The former president, Nancy Graham, once got a $65,000 bonus on top of $235,000 base pay.

The agency's staff was poised to get a 3 percent raise and a share of a $120,000 bonus pool. Bonuses were usually given in the summer and at Christmas. –J.S.