A central California center for the developmentally disabled has rescinded its controversial decision to distribute a $500,000 budget surplus as bonuses to its 350 employees, according to The Modesto Bee.

The payouts, intended to compensate Central Valley Regional Center workers for possible future furloughs and layoffs, sparked criticism from advocates for disabled people and from the majority leader of the state Senate, who said the plan was irresponsible at a time of state budget cuts for social services.

Robert Riddick, the center’s director, said the charity would work with staff members to repay the bonus money, some of which employees had already spent.