Overview
- Mayor Steven Reed seeks to appoint Donald Watkins Jr. as director of Small and Minority Business Development at $120,960, well above the $82,368 entry rate, to lead efforts to mobilize financing and investment.
- The three-member Personnel Board postponed action on the starting pay and scheduled a decision for Nov. 10 after hearing concerns from members and the public.
- Board member James R. “Spud” Seale opposed the hire and the proposed pay, saying it sends the wrong message to city workers who have sought raises.
- The mayor’s office filed a written justification by Chief Operating Officer Lucinda Babers, citing Watkins Jr.’s technical assistance to small businesses and procurement training seminars.
- Watkins Jr. was convicted with his father in 2019 on conspiracy and wire-fraud charges linked to losses by Charles Barkley; he served 27 months and owes $13.85 million in joint restitution.