The state's retirement agency is halting a practice that allowed salaried managers to hold a second hourly wage job in the department.

CalPERS stopped the so-called "additional appointments" after questions came up about whether they circumvent a state policy that sets fixed wages for salaried jobs.

CalPERS Deputy Executive Officer Robert Glazier says the policy is under discussion: "We were very transparent.  We've suspended until the state agencies are able to resolve the HR practice."

The agency started granting additional appointments two years ago to help launch a new computer system.  

Glazier says he's unsure how many employees overall took advantage of the option. The Sacramento Bee reported that "CalPERS paid $45,000 in November to a total 50 managers, an average $900 each."