Jesus House Board Of Directors Votes To Cut Director's Large Salary

Gan Matthews, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Responding to public criticism and a drop in donations, the board of directors of the Jesus House took major steps this week to put the financial house in order.

The Board voted to cut the salary of Executive Director Janis Mercer by 55 percent from almost $178,000 to $80,000. The board also put in place several safeguards to monitor the flow of money, which is something that's in short supply these days.

"Since August, there's been virtually no gift activity, very few gifts that have come in," said board member Marc Thompson.

The drop-off occurred immediately after news reports focused on Mercer's large salary.

Mercer said she can live with the salary reduction and said she welcomes the new oversight.

"I've had to do the fundraising, the personnel, all the maintenance issues, take care of everybody in the building, take care of the media, manage the finances, and that has just worn me out," she said.

Thompson said the board considered firing Mercer but decided against it.