FARGO - The Fargodome's management company is trying to find money for employee bonuses.

City commissioners cut nearly $70,000 earmarked for the bonuses last month. Mayor Bruce Furness, Commissioner John Cosgriff, and Dome Authority President Keith Bjerke met Wednesday with representatives of Global Spectrum, the management company.

Global Spectrum Vice President Neil Sulkes said his company will look at cost-cutting moves and new ways to bring in revenue.

"Taking the bonuses for our hard working employees out of the budget - it's the first time that's ever happened," Sulkes said.

"We have over 40 facilities (that we manage) that have exactly the same bonus program for our employees, and some of those buildings even lose money," he said. "They're not even in a profit situation, but if we reduce the losses to certain levels, employees are rewarded with bonuses."

The dome's proposed 2005 budget had predicted revenue will exceed expenses by more than $55,000. Dome officials have said they expected to clear only about $10,000 this year, below the earlier estimate of $80,607.

Furness said the meeting with Global Spectrum officials was aimed at looking at options.

"We tried to find a solution, options, alternatives, and talked a lot about some different situations," Furness said. "They're going to go back and evaluate those and see if there's something they can do."

Global Spectrum officials showed they value their relationship with Fargo officials, "and we'd like to see that continue," the mayor said.

Global Spectrum hopes to have a new proposal ready for review by later this month.