The phrase "a modest payroll" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a payroll that is relatively small or not extravagant, often in the context of discussing company finances or employee compensation.
Example: "Despite the company's growth, they still maintain a modest payroll to ensure sustainability."
Alternatives: "a small payroll" or "a limited payroll".
The Reds have not had a winning season since 2000 — and in a small television market, they must make do with a modest payroll.
Samson said the Marlins' decision to maintain a modest payroll and trade a star like Miguel Cabrera after the 2007 season was to save money to help finance its $645 million, retractable-roof ballpark, which is to open in 2012.
And even though Social Security is not a cause of today's deficits, they would rather cut benefits than improve the system's finances by imposing tax increases on higher-income taxpayers or phasing in a modest payroll tax increase over decades.
The A's never won a playoff series under Howe, but he did win more than 100 games two years in a row with a team that had a modest payroll.
The Athletics, a small-market team with a modest payroll but a wealth of young talent, blossomed this year, and Giambi, with his patient approach at the plate, set the tone for Oakland.
While Michael did not succeed with a modest payroll, as Beane has done, he was a pioneer in stressing the importance of on-base percentage to improve the Yankees, an approach Beane has adopted and been lionized for in Oakland.
The club achieved its stellar results with a relatively modest payroll.
They will also receive modest payroll relief.
The Island's recent modest payroll gain pales against the 14,000 jobs it added during the first quarter in 2001 and the 26,800 added the year before.
The Expos are accustomed to being away from Montreal, where they are not adored anyway, and used to being the only major league team whose draining schedule and inflexible and modest payroll put them at obvious disadvantages.
The debate over a new jobs bill in Congress where the Senate is considering a wavering agreement supported by the Obama administration largely centers on other approaches, like modest payroll tax breaks for businesses that hire and more spending on infrastructure.
