Amidst $150 million deficit, Wayne County director walks with $200,000 severance

DETROIT (WXYZ) - We may be on the verge of another recession, but for at least one Wayne County employee, it feels like the good old days.

For years, Turkia Mullin has been one of the county’s highest paid employees, pulling in $200,000 a year as the head of economic development. When the Wayne County Airport Authority chose to hire her as its new airport director in August, she learned her salary would jump to $250,000; $35,000 more than her predecessor.

That’s pocket change compared to the big payout Mullin is set to receive—and you’re signing the check.

Action News Investigators have learned that Mullin will be paid a staggering $200,000 just for leaving her old job at Wayne County, on her way to a huge raise.

Handing out a six-figure golden parachute doesn’t fit with her old boss’ promise of shared sacrifice. In his last State of the County address, he called out union employees who resisted pay cuts.

"Unfortunately, not everyone has been willing to share the sacrifice," Ficano said at the time.

"When our future hangs in the balance, there can be no sacred cows," he said.

Ficano couldn’t be reached for comment today, as he travels in China on a trade mission. But the news won’t be warmly received by county employees, who’ve already seen their pay slashed 20% since last year.

"Some people, they’re hardly taking any money home to pay their rent. Some people are sleeping in cars," said Christine Wofford, a county employee.

"Some people can’t afford food," she said.

County spokeswoman Brooke Blackwell called the severance payment standard, saying that Mullin’s predecessor received a similar payment when he left the job several years ago. Still, the county is slashing services far and wide as it tries to dig its way out of a $150 million budget deficit.

When Mullin's check clears, it'll get a little bigger.

If you have a tip for the Action News Investigative Team, contact us at tips@wxyz.com or at (248) 827-9466.