ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Mayor Ken Welch is rescinding bonuses awarded to city employees who negotiated the Gas Plant redevelopment deal for a new Tampa Bay Rays stadium.

Seventeen employees received bonuses that totaled $250,000.

The mayor talked about an "unintended response" that was behind his decision to take back the bonuses.

He said the original intention was to recognize the hard work of their employees.

"I am concerned about the alignment of this process with our governing principles, and the unintended response the payments have garnered. I have, therefore, decided to rescind the bonuses.

The employees were notified of the decision Monday.

Welch said some of the volunteers had offered to return their bonus.