Alvarado to step down as mayor pro tem — for now

Local TV stations are reoprting that Mayor Pro Tem Carol Alvarado has decided to temporarily step down from her position after the results of an investigation into illegal bonuses and raises her employees took were released today. "I intend to temporarily … step aside from the office of the mayor pro tem pending the outcome of the grand jury investigation," Alvarado said at a press conference this afternoon.

Details of the report from the city's Office of Inspector General haven't been reported yet, but the report included "sufficient evidence to conclude that the four employees, in fact, received incentive bonuses and/or salary increases that were not approved or obtained in accordance with existing city policy and rules." The investigation has been referred to the Harris County DA's office. Hearings are set for tomorrow to consider the employment of Rosie Hernandez, Florence Watkins, Christopher May and Teresa Orta, the pro tem staffers, who have been suspended with pay since the scandal broke last month. KHOU is reporting that sources say the four will be fired, but the hearing is required by law before any action is taken.